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Four Corners Ranch #12
Cowboy, It's Cold Outside
A favor owed. An Off-limits romance. Four Corners is in for the hottest Christmas it's ever seen.
Sheena Patrick has done well, all things considered. After her father’s death, she raised her sisters and did all she could to give them the best life possible. But they’re grown and gone now and Sheena is ready to do something for herself. But to accomplish her goals she needs Denver King.
Denver owes Sheena. He spent years watching from afar and making sure she was all right after his father’s illegal activities caused her father's death. So when Sheena rolls up to the ranch looking to call in the favor he promised, Denver can’t say no. He’ll help her get her axe-throwing bar up and running by Christmas, and consider his debt square. But as the snow falls, sparks fly between the two black sheep of Pyrite Falls. They might be all wrong for everyone else, but are they just right for each other?
Four Corners Ranch
Book 1: Unbridled Cowboy
Book 2: Merry Christmas Cowboy
Book 3: Cowboy Wild
Book 4: The Rough Rider
Book 5: The Holiday Heartbreaker
Book 6: The Troublemaker
Sheena Patrick has done well, all things considered. After her father’s death, she raised her sisters and did all she could to give them the best life possible. But they’re grown and gone now and Sheena is ready to do something for herself. But to accomplish her goals she needs Denver King.
Denver owes Sheena. He spent years watching from afar and making sure she was all right after his father’s illegal activities caused her father's death. So when Sheena rolls up to the ranch looking to call in the favor he promised, Denver can’t say no. He’ll help her get her axe-throwing bar up and running by Christmas, and consider his debt square. But as the snow falls, sparks fly between the two black sheep of Pyrite Falls. They might be all wrong for everyone else, but are they just right for each other?
Four Corners Ranch
Book 1: Unbridled Cowboy
Book 2: Merry Christmas Cowboy
Book 3: Cowboy Wild
Book 4: The Rough Rider
Book 5: The Holiday Heartbreaker
Book 6: The Troublemaker
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2025
141 people are currently reading
3565 people want to read
About the author
Maisey Yates
1,164 books3,001 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.
She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.
She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 504 reviews
did-not-finish
January 10, 2026DNF @ 25% 😭😭
I am SO DISAPPOINTED! 😭 I absolutely love the cover. It’s gorgeous, it’s cute, it’s festive. Surely, the story is going to be just as good, right? Wrong.
Granted, I only got 25% through so I don’t know how festive it was going to be, but I just did not care at all about the characters or the plot. And I think the reason for this is because of the writing. ✍🏼
I can’t really describe it, but the writing was trying too hard to be edgy and (pardon my French) badass? If that makes any sense. 😂 The book sounded a lot like what seventeen-year-old me would have written if my characters were indifferent, lone wolves with trust issues who crossed paths and found each other incredibly hot. Also, this is part of a big series, and this is, what, book 12? There were names and places I didn’t know, and even though the author tried to explain who was who and what was what, I was still lost. 😅 That’s what I get for breaking one of my rules: don’t start a series in the middle or end, no matter how recent the new release is.
I realize I could have finished it because it’s only like 23 chapters and given a proper review of whether or not it grew on me, but I have so many other books that I need/want to read that I don’t think it would be worth it.
But that’s just my opinion. If you want to give this book a try, I think you should, especially if you are familiar with the series and characters. ☺💚❤
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the free arc! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions loss of a parent, illegal activities, and drugs.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: I have no idea, but I’m guessing there is. 😅
I am SO DISAPPOINTED! 😭 I absolutely love the cover. It’s gorgeous, it’s cute, it’s festive. Surely, the story is going to be just as good, right? Wrong.
Granted, I only got 25% through so I don’t know how festive it was going to be, but I just did not care at all about the characters or the plot. And I think the reason for this is because of the writing. ✍🏼
I can’t really describe it, but the writing was trying too hard to be edgy and (pardon my French) badass? If that makes any sense. 😂 The book sounded a lot like what seventeen-year-old me would have written if my characters were indifferent, lone wolves with trust issues who crossed paths and found each other incredibly hot. Also, this is part of a big series, and this is, what, book 12? There were names and places I didn’t know, and even though the author tried to explain who was who and what was what, I was still lost. 😅 That’s what I get for breaking one of my rules: don’t start a series in the middle or end, no matter how recent the new release is.
I realize I could have finished it because it’s only like 23 chapters and given a proper review of whether or not it grew on me, but I have so many other books that I need/want to read that I don’t think it would be worth it.
But that’s just my opinion. If you want to give this book a try, I think you should, especially if you are familiar with the series and characters. ☺💚❤
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the free arc! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions loss of a parent, illegal activities, and drugs.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: I have no idea, but I’m guessing there is. 😅
July 20, 2025
He feels his father was responsible for her father being killed, so he has done his best to help her out throughout her life. She comes to him with a business plan & suddenly they are working together.
This was sort of an enemies to lovers vibe. I wouldn’t say they were full enemies just both grumpy and didn’t have much trust for the other.
This was just meh. There wasn’t a strong Christmas vibe through most of the book which was weird as I thought it would be more Christmasy. I also found the book very repetitive as it kept repeating over and over again the basics of their past traumas involving their families without really going into much depth about it.
The ending felt rushed. I am not gonna lie this one felt like even the author was not truly fully connected to this story. I give it 3 stars because I think the MMC was a good, interesting character just the execution was off for most of the story.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was sort of an enemies to lovers vibe. I wouldn’t say they were full enemies just both grumpy and didn’t have much trust for the other.
This was just meh. There wasn’t a strong Christmas vibe through most of the book which was weird as I thought it would be more Christmasy. I also found the book very repetitive as it kept repeating over and over again the basics of their past traumas involving their families without really going into much depth about it.
The ending felt rushed. I am not gonna lie this one felt like even the author was not truly fully connected to this story. I give it 3 stars because I think the MMC was a good, interesting character just the execution was off for most of the story.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2025
Now, I'm being generous with my rating. the story is mundane, the ending is rushed; how can someone go from not trusting the world and anyone and not believing in love to suddenly ohmygod you're the man / the woman I want to live my life with for the rest of my life. And why do authors still write romance in third person POV??? It's so confusing, yes the audiobook helped alot cuz without it I would have DNF'd
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝕯𝖔𝖔𝖗 𝕸𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
SKIP CHAPTER: 10, 13, 17, 19
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
The ARC from Harlequin Trade Publishing and the ALC from Harlequin Audio.... that's how I like it. thank you Netgalley 💚💚
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕮𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖉 𝕯𝖔𝖔𝖗 𝕸𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖘˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
SKIP CHAPTER: 10, 13, 17, 19
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
The ARC from Harlequin Trade Publishing and the ALC from Harlequin Audio.... that's how I like it. thank you Netgalley 💚💚
August 1, 2025
My first impression after finishing the story was how deep Yates went into the complex area of familial guilt, compensation for others, wrongdoing, survivor's guilt in a sense, and just the emotions surrounding being let down by our parents.
Both of the main characters are working through taking care of siblings in prior years, and it really impacts the direction of the story. They’re tied together through the actions of others, so it’s inevitable that they work through the complexities and find a new beginning.
Both of them are passionate people in everything that they do, and the complexities surrounding their lives were extremely rich and highly detailed. Yates cast these two as opposites, yet they’re truly very similar types of people.
This brings intensity, deep romance, and sexy scenes that balance everything together. Trust is born and earned, and as the guards come down, so does the tension in the story.
This book is all about healing hearts and understanding that love is strength. Trust and forgiveness are high on the list, and Yates delivers the story with emotion and depth that you will feel long after the book is done.
I cannot believe I missed this series, and this is the final book. This reviewer is definitely starting from the beginning! Cowboy, It’s Cold Outside is delightful, steamy, complex, and emotional.
Both of the main characters are working through taking care of siblings in prior years, and it really impacts the direction of the story. They’re tied together through the actions of others, so it’s inevitable that they work through the complexities and find a new beginning.
Both of them are passionate people in everything that they do, and the complexities surrounding their lives were extremely rich and highly detailed. Yates cast these two as opposites, yet they’re truly very similar types of people.
This brings intensity, deep romance, and sexy scenes that balance everything together. Trust is born and earned, and as the guards come down, so does the tension in the story.
This book is all about healing hearts and understanding that love is strength. Trust and forgiveness are high on the list, and Yates delivers the story with emotion and depth that you will feel long after the book is done.
I cannot believe I missed this series, and this is the final book. This reviewer is definitely starting from the beginning! Cowboy, It’s Cold Outside is delightful, steamy, complex, and emotional.
October 20, 2025
I'll start by saying I really liked the writing style and gritty, small-town vibes! I'd totally read more from Maisey Yates. You’ve got two characters with a lot of pride and a lot on their shoulders. She really nailed that protective, alpha-hero type who’s just trying to do right. Even the spice was well done, and that's coming from someone who usually prefers mild details.
Sheena’s had a very rough go of things, always taking care of everyone else, especially her sisters, so I liked seeing her finally have someone who wanted to take care of her. She’s sassy and puts up a fight with Denver, but of course he’s the one who manages to break through those walls. There’s also a really sweet caretaking scene that I loved.
There’s a pretty heavy backstory between them that I definitely wasn’t expecting, with Denver’s dad being responsible for Sheena’s dad’s death. Somehow I didn’t realize this was book 12 in a series until I started reading. Whoops! But honestly, it was totally fine. There are a ton of side characters, yes, but it never felt confusing, and there was enough context to just roll with it.
I wouldn't consider this a Christmas romance, though. The actual holiday elements didn't really show up until around 75–80%, and even then it's pretty minor. The focus is more on Sheena working towards opening an axe-throwing bar on Denver’s ranch — which was somewhat fun, but it got little repetitive ... and definitely not as festive as I was hoping for.
(heat level: 4 open-door scenes, explicit details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sheena’s had a very rough go of things, always taking care of everyone else, especially her sisters, so I liked seeing her finally have someone who wanted to take care of her. She’s sassy and puts up a fight with Denver, but of course he’s the one who manages to break through those walls. There’s also a really sweet caretaking scene that I loved.
There’s a pretty heavy backstory between them that I definitely wasn’t expecting, with Denver’s dad being responsible for Sheena’s dad’s death. Somehow I didn’t realize this was book 12 in a series until I started reading. Whoops! But honestly, it was totally fine. There are a ton of side characters, yes, but it never felt confusing, and there was enough context to just roll with it.
I wouldn't consider this a Christmas romance, though. The actual holiday elements didn't really show up until around 75–80%, and even then it's pretty minor. The focus is more on Sheena working towards opening an axe-throwing bar on Denver’s ranch — which was somewhat fun, but it got little repetitive ... and definitely not as festive as I was hoping for.
(heat level: 4 open-door scenes, explicit details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 8, 2025
Cowboy, It’s Cold Outside is a small town, grumpy x grumpy, cowboy romance. I jumped into this because it was marketed as a holiday romance and I think it’s lighter on that setting/vibe for sure (the holidays aren’t until 2/3 through the book). This is also part of a massive series which I didn’t realize ahead of time, I think it’s book 12 in the series but was the first and only I read from this author. With the context clues and conversations I could figure out what was going on, but I’m sure you’d get more from the side characters and situations if you read the series before this one.
Overall, this ended up being okay for me. Basically the back story is that Denver’s father was responsible for the death of Sheena’s father, so over the years Denver has given money and said that he could help with wiping clean the sins of his father so to speak. Sheena has raised her 3 younger sisters and now wants to open an axe-throwing bar. The story kicks off with her approaching Denver and asking for his help in opening up the new business.
I wasn’t super invested in the characters or overall plot, it was repetitive and dragged out at times. I think if you like this series overall, you’d enjoy this one more though! I just went in expecting holiday and wasn’t as invested in the rest. I received an audio ALC, all thoughts in this review are my own.
Overall, this ended up being okay for me. Basically the back story is that Denver’s father was responsible for the death of Sheena’s father, so over the years Denver has given money and said that he could help with wiping clean the sins of his father so to speak. Sheena has raised her 3 younger sisters and now wants to open an axe-throwing bar. The story kicks off with her approaching Denver and asking for his help in opening up the new business.
I wasn’t super invested in the characters or overall plot, it was repetitive and dragged out at times. I think if you like this series overall, you’d enjoy this one more though! I just went in expecting holiday and wasn’t as invested in the rest. I received an audio ALC, all thoughts in this review are my own.
did-not-finish
September 12, 2025the cover for this has me foaming at the mouth, but unfortunately I'm DNF-ing this 110 pages in.
Essentially the story is following Sheena and Denver as they work together opening an axe-throwing bar. Denver feels his family is the reason Sheena's dad is dead, so he's always felt indebted to her. Assuming, over time, these two spend more time together and fall in love.
This is the 12th book in a huge cowboy and small-town romance series. I've never read from Maisey Yates before, and perhaps I'm wrong in assuming these were interconnected standalones, but I feel as if the series is WAY too far along for me to just jump in and know everything. I didn't want to read 11 books to read this one, even though I live by reading series in order. Especially when it comes to small-town romance series, I like to read them in order because there is so much town lore you miss out on, no matter how much the author reiterates that you can read the series as standalones.
I didn't care for the chemistry between these two and found them quite bland. The familial guilt aspect would have been more powerful for me if I felt anything, but I really don't care about them. I held on so long because I think this cover is so fucking gorgeous, but as one of you said, life is too short to read bad books! I don't think this book is bad; I just think it's really not for me at present time. I would like to read the others in the series, and maybe I'll enjoy it more, but for right now, this is not it.
I will mourn the fact that I can't have this gorgeous book on my bookshelves, but it's not the end of the world.
Essentially the story is following Sheena and Denver as they work together opening an axe-throwing bar. Denver feels his family is the reason Sheena's dad is dead, so he's always felt indebted to her. Assuming, over time, these two spend more time together and fall in love.
This is the 12th book in a huge cowboy and small-town romance series. I've never read from Maisey Yates before, and perhaps I'm wrong in assuming these were interconnected standalones, but I feel as if the series is WAY too far along for me to just jump in and know everything. I didn't want to read 11 books to read this one, even though I live by reading series in order. Especially when it comes to small-town romance series, I like to read them in order because there is so much town lore you miss out on, no matter how much the author reiterates that you can read the series as standalones.
I didn't care for the chemistry between these two and found them quite bland. The familial guilt aspect would have been more powerful for me if I felt anything, but I really don't care about them. I held on so long because I think this cover is so fucking gorgeous, but as one of you said, life is too short to read bad books! I don't think this book is bad; I just think it's really not for me at present time. I would like to read the others in the series, and maybe I'll enjoy it more, but for right now, this is not it.
I will mourn the fact that I can't have this gorgeous book on my bookshelves, but it's not the end of the world.
November 17, 2025
This is one of the first books I’ve ever rated 1 star - and I am so sorry, but for me, it HAS to be a 1 star 🥴🫠
I don’t want to go on and on about how much I disliked it, so instead, here are 3 bullet points on why I disliked it so much:
- the writing was… odd. felt extremely blunt and all over the place.
- everything was rushed. she hated him, then suddenly she was obsessed with him, and then a fight, then he’s proposing? SO UNREALISTIC and was giving me whiplash (not in a good way)
- I found myself constantly skimming/skipping pages the farther I got in because I just did not care about anything happening
I’m going to assume that this author is just not for me 🤷🏼♀️
I don’t want to go on and on about how much I disliked it, so instead, here are 3 bullet points on why I disliked it so much:
- the writing was… odd. felt extremely blunt and all over the place.
- everything was rushed. she hated him, then suddenly she was obsessed with him, and then a fight, then he’s proposing? SO UNREALISTIC and was giving me whiplash (not in a good way)
- I found myself constantly skimming/skipping pages the farther I got in because I just did not care about anything happening
I’m going to assume that this author is just not for me 🤷🏼♀️
December 5, 2025
well. i finished my listen. unfortunately for me, this was part of a longstanding series and there were so many characters, felt like a late Lisa Kleypas novel to me. And the plot was so boring and repetetive. Oh yes Sheena and Denver carry a lot of childhood trauma, making their HEA to stay put in the same ranch with the same people, and have kids after raising their siblings, all the more meh to me.
this is christmassy in the sense there's snow on the ground and decorations and cookie making, but it didn't really matter to the overall romance arc besides it happening at the same time.
Spicy, but without enough emotional impact.
purchased with my own audiobook credit; the single narrator was fine.
this is christmassy in the sense there's snow on the ground and decorations and cookie making, but it didn't really matter to the overall romance arc besides it happening at the same time.
Spicy, but without enough emotional impact.
purchased with my own audiobook credit; the single narrator was fine.
November 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this audiobook! I went into it without having read anything else by this author, but I never felt lost, the story stood perfectly on its own. Honestly, I was first drawn in by that gorgeous cover (can you blame me?!!), and I’m so glad I gave it a try!
The chemistry between Sheena and Denver was fantastic, two “bad” characters with great hearts, trying to do better and finding their way to each other. I loved the small-town vibe, the slow burn, and the bit of holiday magic woven in. It was such an easy listen and kept me hooked from start to finish.
A perfect cozy-but-steamy Christmas romance to get you in the holiday mood! 🎄❤️🎧
Listening Speed: 2X
Narrator: Samantha Cook
Feedback: Samantha Cook absolutely nailed the narration! She gave both characters such distinct voices, and her delivery made the story even more engaging. I loved listening to her!
Thank you Harlequin Audio & NetGalley for the ALC in exchange of my honest opinion!
The chemistry between Sheena and Denver was fantastic, two “bad” characters with great hearts, trying to do better and finding their way to each other. I loved the small-town vibe, the slow burn, and the bit of holiday magic woven in. It was such an easy listen and kept me hooked from start to finish.
A perfect cozy-but-steamy Christmas romance to get you in the holiday mood! 🎄❤️🎧
Listening Speed: 2X
Narrator: Samantha Cook
Feedback: Samantha Cook absolutely nailed the narration! She gave both characters such distinct voices, and her delivery made the story even more engaging. I loved listening to her!
Thank you Harlequin Audio & NetGalley for the ALC in exchange of my honest opinion!
December 27, 2025
and with that, my 2025 holiday reads come to an end. 😌
i had no idea this was connected to a huge series when i bought it, but the author did such a great job at introducing and summarizing each and every character and relationship. it really was such a sweet book and i’m happy that i read it to finish out the holiday season.
i had no idea this was connected to a huge series when i bought it, but the author did such a great job at introducing and summarizing each and every character and relationship. it really was such a sweet book and i’m happy that i read it to finish out the holiday season.
December 2, 2025
Judging a book by its cover FINALLY did me dirty 🤣🤣
October 1, 2025
2/5 ⭐️
1.5/5 🌶️
Cowboy, It’s Cold Outside ❄️ …and honestly, so was the romance. 🥴 I signed up for cozy Christmas cowboy vibes, but the first half was a snooze, the chemistry was MIA, and their love story didn’t feel believable at all. The “cowboy” part was just a ranch backdrop, and the “Christmas” part barely showed up. Basically, it left me out in the cold.
1.5/5 🌶️
Cowboy, It’s Cold Outside ❄️ …and honestly, so was the romance. 🥴 I signed up for cozy Christmas cowboy vibes, but the first half was a snooze, the chemistry was MIA, and their love story didn’t feel believable at all. The “cowboy” part was just a ranch backdrop, and the “Christmas” part barely showed up. Basically, it left me out in the cold.
November 11, 2025
2.5⭐️ I just wasn’t a fan. I unfortunately couldn’t get into the story
October 25, 2025
Cowboy it’s cold outside by Maisy Yates
ARC from harlequin audio
Release date: Oct 28th 2025
-can we take a moment for this cover wowww 😍
-love the forced proximity since they have to work together and he owes her
-love the small town winter vibes
-their banter is everything
-the sexual tension is sizzlingggg
-I want to go axe throwing now
-now the axe throwing talk sounding sexual / flirting 🤣🫶🏾🤪
-the elf on the shelf 🤣
-all the love and healing is truly so beautiful 😭♥️
-this was an adorable romance 🥰
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
ARC from harlequin audio
Release date: Oct 28th 2025
-can we take a moment for this cover wowww 😍
-love the forced proximity since they have to work together and he owes her
-love the small town winter vibes
-their banter is everything
-the sexual tension is sizzlingggg
-I want to go axe throwing now
-now the axe throwing talk sounding sexual / flirting 🤣🫶🏾🤪
-the elf on the shelf 🤣
-all the love and healing is truly so beautiful 😭♥️
-this was an adorable romance 🥰
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Want to read
September 10, 2025This is the cover of my dreams!
October 10, 2025
Signed up for a cute and cozy christmas cowboy book. Then realized it's book TWELVE and was a bit confused on what was happening in the beginning of the book but held on. But the book never grabbed me. Shitty dads and daddy issues is a constant part of the story. The relationship never felt more than superficial to me.
and... I'm sorry a grown adult with a fully formed frontal lobe keys his truck and he responds with a proposal 🙃.
Unfortunately this book was not for me.
The narration is single narrator, third pov with the same voice for all characters. Which certainly impacted my experience.
thank you for this ALC/arc.
and... I'm sorry a grown adult with a fully formed frontal lobe keys his truck and he responds with a proposal 🙃.
Unfortunately this book was not for me.
The narration is single narrator, third pov with the same voice for all characters. Which certainly impacted my experience.
thank you for this ALC/arc.
Read
August 21, 2025i shouldn’t even add a time of dnf but just know it was quite early on, the writing was simply immediately far too repetitive to the point where i felt like i was reading …dare i say…AI (derogatory) and i don’t even think it is so i went ahead and packed it up but hey gorgeous gorgeous gowns (book cover)
thank you so much nonetheless to netgalley and harlequin trade publishing for this arc to review!
thank you so much nonetheless to netgalley and harlequin trade publishing for this arc to review!
November 4, 2025
I picked up Cowboy, It’s Cold Outside by Maisey Yates hoping for a cozy holiday romance with strong seasonal vibes, but unfortunately it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
I really struggled to connect with the characters, and I was expecting more of that Christmas magic—yet most of the book lacked a real holiday feel.
The story felt very repetitive: the same trauma themes — broken families, childhood responsibility, guilt — were revisited again and again without much new depth or insight.
The beginning held promise, but the pacing dragged. The ending then felt rushed, as if the buildup hadn’t been matched with a satisfying conclusion.
In short: the concept had potential, especially with the small-town setting and damaged characters trying to find a way forward, but the execution left me wanting more—especially when it came to the holiday atmosphere, character depth, and pacing. I’d recommend this only if you’re comfortable with a romance that leans heavier on angst and healing, and lighter on festive charm.
I really struggled to connect with the characters, and I was expecting more of that Christmas magic—yet most of the book lacked a real holiday feel.
The story felt very repetitive: the same trauma themes — broken families, childhood responsibility, guilt — were revisited again and again without much new depth or insight.
The beginning held promise, but the pacing dragged. The ending then felt rushed, as if the buildup hadn’t been matched with a satisfying conclusion.
In short: the concept had potential, especially with the small-town setting and damaged characters trying to find a way forward, but the execution left me wanting more—especially when it came to the holiday atmosphere, character depth, and pacing. I’d recommend this only if you’re comfortable with a romance that leans heavier on angst and healing, and lighter on festive charm.
November 18, 2025
This was such a let down for me. The title and cover made it seem like I was about to read a cozy cowboy romance but that couldn’t been farther from the truth.
Unfortunately, both the FMC and MMC were just so annoying to me. The FMC was suppose to be this badass but it just came off in an off putting way. The MMC was introduced as a player and I feel like he never really changed. They were also both too similar to one another. Their personalities, their trauma. Don’t get me started on the shared daddy issues. I simply couldn’t handle one more conversation about it. And there was ABSOLUTELY no chemistry between them what so ever.
This book was practically 90% dialogue. Most of the time the conversations were either pointless or seemed weirdly timed. And the parts that weren’t conversations were repetitive inner thoughts that added nothing to their character development. Also no cozy holiday vibes.
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC. And the oppurtunity to read and review honestly
Unfortunately, both the FMC and MMC were just so annoying to me. The FMC was suppose to be this badass but it just came off in an off putting way. The MMC was introduced as a player and I feel like he never really changed. They were also both too similar to one another. Their personalities, their trauma. Don’t get me started on the shared daddy issues. I simply couldn’t handle one more conversation about it. And there was ABSOLUTELY no chemistry between them what so ever.
This book was practically 90% dialogue. Most of the time the conversations were either pointless or seemed weirdly timed. And the parts that weren’t conversations were repetitive inner thoughts that added nothing to their character development. Also no cozy holiday vibes.
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC. And the oppurtunity to read and review honestly
November 17, 2025
4.5 Listen, please pay attention to this review if you actually like small town romance / cowboy romances but love depth & want it to be during Christmas, this book is it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but as someone who loves the romance genre and finds holiday romances hard like without feeling cringey…. This does it. It’s definitely something we’ve all read before but that’s the point! Honestly you’re not going to be disappointed if you’re a fan of Elsie, Lyla or Jessica Peterson. I think you’re really in for treat!
Thanks to Canary Street Press & The Hive for the gifted copy!
Thanks to Canary Street Press & The Hive for the gifted copy!
October 23, 2025
The only thing “Christmas” in this book is the fact they threw a party for the town …
It started out good but got real slow and the ending was very rushed …
Bad girl meets badder boy. Sheena has raided her younger sister’s on her own after her father passed away. Now it is time to do something for her . But she needs a little help from Denver King since he “owes” her. She proposes opening an axe throwing bar. The two of them work to get the bar opened by Christmas .
Follow along while the sparks fly between two do the towns black sheep
It started out good but got real slow and the ending was very rushed …
Bad girl meets badder boy. Sheena has raided her younger sister’s on her own after her father passed away. Now it is time to do something for her . But she needs a little help from Denver King since he “owes” her. She proposes opening an axe throwing bar. The two of them work to get the bar opened by Christmas .
Follow along while the sparks fly between two do the towns black sheep
did-not-finish
October 6, 2025this book was not for me, I struggled getting into it and the writing in third person wouldn't keep my attention and the story being told all at once with out different point of views.
did-not-finish
December 12, 2025dnf
To be completely honest, I started this book way back in October and put it down. Unfortunately, as I read, the book didn't get any better. Both Sheena and Denver are written really "edge-y" (derogatory). And one of the main reasons I requested this book in the first place is the fact that it's supposed to be an interconnected standalone. That could not be further from the truth. There's so many characters and plot lines that are introduced very early in the book from previous books. So much so that I was just beyond confused. You definitely need to read the other books in this series to fully understand this book. Also, don't judge this book by its wonderful cover.
To be completely honest, I started this book way back in October and put it down. Unfortunately, as I read, the book didn't get any better. Both Sheena and Denver are written really "edge-y" (derogatory). And one of the main reasons I requested this book in the first place is the fact that it's supposed to be an interconnected standalone. That could not be further from the truth. There's so many characters and plot lines that are introduced very early in the book from previous books. So much so that I was just beyond confused. You definitely need to read the other books in this series to fully understand this book. Also, don't judge this book by its wonderful cover.
October 20, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy cowboy romances with a grumpy hero and a prickly heroine. It ultimately did not work for me as I didn't not click with the author's writing. It was my first book by the author but the title and cover drew me in.
I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy cowboy romances with a grumpy hero and a prickly heroine. It ultimately did not work for me as I didn't not click with the author's writing. It was my first book by the author but the title and cover drew me in.
November 23, 2025
I’m pretty sure 80% of this book was just the two main characters having the exact same inner monologue over and over again
October 30, 2025
ALC 3 stars!
Small Town + Business Partnership + Connected Past + Friends with Benefits
This book follows Sheena, who is the oldest daughter in her family and has always felt like a parent and caretaker to not only her family but her community. She has a connected past with our MMC, Denver, due to business wrongdoings between their fathers. Denver carries around a tremendous amount of guilt for playing a role in his father’s schemes and now feels responsible to pay back everyone he has wronged.
Sheena and Denver go into business together and open an ax throwing place where the community can come together and have fun. Along the way, they start a friends with benefits situationship because they can’t deny the attraction they have for one another. They both battle with insecurities from their pasts and have to overcome them if they want to turn what they have into an actual relationship.
Denver’s character annoyed me in the beginning. All he thought about was how hot Sheena was and how he just constantly wanted to bang her. Like okay I get it. You’re a manwhore, it’s not a good look. I felt that while they did have some angst, their relationship just felt weird. I didn’t feel a strong connection between them. They are just so similar personality wise and seemed like in real life they would butt heads more than get along.
Also the constant insecurities on both of their end was exhausting. I felt like I was supposed to learn a life lesson from what they were experiencing but it felt tiring.
I did enjoy the community aspect and the family blending. That was so cute and wholesome.
I was sent this book from NetGalley for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Small Town + Business Partnership + Connected Past + Friends with Benefits
This book follows Sheena, who is the oldest daughter in her family and has always felt like a parent and caretaker to not only her family but her community. She has a connected past with our MMC, Denver, due to business wrongdoings between their fathers. Denver carries around a tremendous amount of guilt for playing a role in his father’s schemes and now feels responsible to pay back everyone he has wronged.
Sheena and Denver go into business together and open an ax throwing place where the community can come together and have fun. Along the way, they start a friends with benefits situationship because they can’t deny the attraction they have for one another. They both battle with insecurities from their pasts and have to overcome them if they want to turn what they have into an actual relationship.
Denver’s character annoyed me in the beginning. All he thought about was how hot Sheena was and how he just constantly wanted to bang her. Like okay I get it. You’re a manwhore, it’s not a good look. I felt that while they did have some angst, their relationship just felt weird. I didn’t feel a strong connection between them. They are just so similar personality wise and seemed like in real life they would butt heads more than get along.
Also the constant insecurities on both of their end was exhausting. I felt like I was supposed to learn a life lesson from what they were experiencing but it felt tiring.
I did enjoy the community aspect and the family blending. That was so cute and wholesome.
I was sent this book from NetGalley for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 28, 2025
3.5 ⭐️’s // 2 🌶️🌶️
IM SO SORRY YALL I really had high hopes for this book, and there were definitely pockets I enjoyed!
SPOILERS: But like the first 35% felt repetitive and dragged on - both had shit dads, and took on the weight of parenting their siblings too young while processing their own trauma. Totally valid and made for an emotional romance.
But the beginning felt unnecessarily repetitive with their backstories. Reading a book this long never takes me a week and every time I picked it up I felt like I struggled with it. Once their connection firmed up, it did get better and more enjoyable. Their connection was strong, and I will say the scene where they went home and simply rested rather than sleep together was actually beautifully written and powerful.
This felt rather long and emotional for a Christmas romance. So HEAR ME OUT- I WOULD recommend this if you’re not on the market for a cutesy romcom holiday read, and prefer something more raw and grittier.
I’d also recommend for the slow burn girlies and those who associate with mc’s who shoulder unnecessary weight. And I’d 1000% recommend reading the full series because I felt like I really missed out on a lot by starting with this book.
IM SO SORRY YALL I really had high hopes for this book, and there were definitely pockets I enjoyed!
SPOILERS: But like the first 35% felt repetitive and dragged on - both had shit dads, and took on the weight of parenting their siblings too young while processing their own trauma. Totally valid and made for an emotional romance.
But the beginning felt unnecessarily repetitive with their backstories. Reading a book this long never takes me a week and every time I picked it up I felt like I struggled with it. Once their connection firmed up, it did get better and more enjoyable. Their connection was strong, and I will say the scene where they went home and simply rested rather than sleep together was actually beautifully written and powerful.
This felt rather long and emotional for a Christmas romance. So HEAR ME OUT- I WOULD recommend this if you’re not on the market for a cutesy romcom holiday read, and prefer something more raw and grittier.
I’d also recommend for the slow burn girlies and those who associate with mc’s who shoulder unnecessary weight. And I’d 1000% recommend reading the full series because I felt like I really missed out on a lot by starting with this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2025
Thank you so much to Harlequin Audio for the ALC!
I WISH that I would’ve realized that this book was the twelfth installment of the series went I went into it! However, the fact that I could still enjoy the book without having read the first eleven speaks to how well-integrated these interconnected standalones are.
Sheena and Denver serve as two classic eldest children. Eldest children…with severe daddy issues. But I appreciate how the book spends time acknowledging the fact that these two took care of everyone around them and finally found someone to take care of them. There’s something really touching about that.
The main thing I needed more information on throughout reading was really understanding what Denver’s role was within his family/his father’s cowboy mafia(?). We get a really well-rounded look at Sheena, but I wish I better understand what Denver was so guilty about.
While this book has Christmasy elements, it doesn’t hit you over the head with holiday cheer. I think it’s strikes a good balance. Like, it works well for giving you a little taste of the holiday season.
The audiobook is well produced, but I wish it would had dual narration. It just would’ve helped me envision the characters a bit better while listening?
Overall, this ended up as a really touching story with solid found family elements. I’m interested in exploring additional books by Maisey Yates to see what else she does in this genre.
I WISH that I would’ve realized that this book was the twelfth installment of the series went I went into it! However, the fact that I could still enjoy the book without having read the first eleven speaks to how well-integrated these interconnected standalones are.
Sheena and Denver serve as two classic eldest children. Eldest children…with severe daddy issues. But I appreciate how the book spends time acknowledging the fact that these two took care of everyone around them and finally found someone to take care of them. There’s something really touching about that.
The main thing I needed more information on throughout reading was really understanding what Denver’s role was within his family/his father’s cowboy mafia(?). We get a really well-rounded look at Sheena, but I wish I better understand what Denver was so guilty about.
While this book has Christmasy elements, it doesn’t hit you over the head with holiday cheer. I think it’s strikes a good balance. Like, it works well for giving you a little taste of the holiday season.
The audiobook is well produced, but I wish it would had dual narration. It just would’ve helped me envision the characters a bit better while listening?
Overall, this ended up as a really touching story with solid found family elements. I’m interested in exploring additional books by Maisey Yates to see what else she does in this genre.
December 19, 2025
I was expecting a lighthearted cute Christmas cowboy romance story especially because the title felt whimsical and not serious but this was surprisingly intense and heavy. It was just barely Christmas themed until about 70%. To me it went on a little too long and the same idea could’ve been said in a shorter way and then at the end the characters had a complete 180 on their outlook on life out of no where. A few typos here and there also sometimes the way they said things would confuse me and I’d have read it back to figure out who said what or really have to stop and think to figure out what was being said. I still don’t fully understand the favor owed and what the permitted where on that.. this relationship felt very toxic.
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