The Texan's Christmas

Texas Rodeo Barons #6

by Tanya Michaels

HER CHRISTMAS WISH

The last thing rodeo cowboy Daniel Baron needs is a commitment. After a lifetime of feeling like an outsider among his larger-than-life stepfamily at Roughneck Ranch, Daniel is ready to leave the ring—and Texas—behind forever. Except he can't stop thinking about the woman he just met—beautiful, bighearted…and pregnant.

Of course Nicole Bennett is attracted to strong, sweet Daniel—he's pretty much perfect. But he made it clear that he doesn't want a family, the one thing Nicole's dreamed of her whole life. Now, just as that dream is coming true, Nicole could lose the only man she wants to share it with…unless Daniel can find the courage to open his heart.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Category Romance, Westerns, Contemporary Romance

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Tanya Michaels is an award-winning author of more than thirty romance and women's fiction novels, as well as numerous short stories and nonfiction essays. She is a four-time finalist for the prestigious RITA, awarded annually by Romance Writers of America, and was nominated for RT Book Review’s Career Achievement in Category Romance. When she's not speaking at reader events and writer conferences, she's at home in Georgia with her husband of fifteen years and their two highly imaginative children. For a glimpse into Tanya's chaotic daily life, as well as updates on her current books and TV show addictions, follow Tanya on Twitter.

Reviews

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I was thinking the other day that I couldn't imagine you in jeans."

"You've been thinking about me?" She wished she hadn't asked the impulsive question. What if it led to awkwardness on their long drive?

But he held her gaze, not looking the least discomfited. "Yes, ma'am." pg. 54

This is more of a wrapping-up of the "Texas Rodeo Barons" series than it is a straightforward romance novel. So I can't recommend it wholeheartedly.

Nicole is in her first trimester of pregnancy. She is pregnant by artificial insemination - quite common in American Romance. She works for Adele Black, the long-lost mother of the Barons. Daniel is a Baron through adoption. Through the whole Baron-family drama, they meet and take an interest in each other.

Daniel is not interested in falling in love or having children.

Nicole proposes having an affair. She promises she won't get hurt.

"I'm a big girl, though. You don't have to worry that if anything happened between us, I'd get the wrong idea. I know we want different things in the long run." pg. 112

This is so cliched and ridiculous. I'm getting to the point where I am dreading this trope. What on Earth makes people who are unable to have emotionless flings suddenly start thinking they can have emotionless flings?!!!?? It's baffling.

Daniel is fine. I think he is a good man. He's kind to Nicole. He's gentle and caring with her. He's solicitous about her having severe morning sickness the mornings after they have sex.

There's a really cute scene where they exchange Christmas presents. It's actually sweet.

Nicole is the one that pulls away, surprisingly. Even after Daniel declares his love for her she still rejects him. This surprised me. Then the author was like, "He shouldn't give up. Go after her more, declare love more etc." But I felt kind of sorry for the man. I didn't feel like there was any good reason she should make him grovel and beg so much. I was a bit baffled.


HOW'S THE SEX, CARMEN?

Disappointing. I expected Daniel to be better in bed, tbh. Yet Nicole declares he's 'the best lover she's ever had.' So I guess it's fine for her. Disappointing to me, though. Don't expect hot sex in here. Not only is Daniel not the biggest on foreplay, but things are pretty vague, as per usual with this line.


TL;DR Final book in the Texas Rodeo Barons series. Wraps it up. However, taken as a romance, I don't think this was a particularly strong entry. It wasn't bad. But I found myself wanting a bit more. Both Daniel and Nicole were good people. I didn't quite grasp Nicole's need to make Daniel 'prove himself,' but oh well.


ROMANCE CATEGORIES
Contemporary Romance
Cowboy/Western Romance
Holiday/Christmas Romance
Non-Virgin Heroine
Pregnant Heroine
He's a former Rodeo star and a Horse Trainer, Ranch Hand etc.; She's Vice President of Operations at AB Windpower.
Takes Place in Texas, the United States of America.

NAMES IN THIS BOOK

Nicole f
Adele f
Chris m
Lizzie f
Savannah f
Carly f
Jet m Jethro
Brock m
Daniel m
Jacob m
Alex m
Cody m
Anna f
Peggy f
Mariana f
Delia f
Bodie m
Julieta f
Natalie f
Gina Marie f
Sierra f
Oscar m
Genevieve f
Luke m
Leah f
Jasmine f
Grey – horse
Rosie f
Travis m
Tammy f
Kim f
Tony
Sugarhoof – horse
Lucille f
Chuck m
Garrett m
Arden f
Hope f

[Kathie (katmom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Release Day!

4.5/5.00

This is the last book in the Baron family series. Each one of the books was written by a different author. Something that I found fascinating was that this a very blended family. Not all of the babies belong to a Baron (at least not to begin with) and not all of the blended families have blood ties. It was quite lovely because blood isn't the most important thing...love is.

There are some truly epic KISSES in this book. Daniel can kiss, wowza. Nicole appreciates his skill, and I really enjoyed reading them!

Daniel has seen the rest of his blended family find happiness. The family farm is saturated in it. But he has other plans. He will not be sucked into happiness, no he won't. But, as this is a Harlequin, we know that his plans are about to be derailed, big time.

Nicole has wanted a loving family for her entire life. With no man on the horizon, she goes to a clinic and finds the right donor...and now she's pregnant. She's busy with her boss, who is being reunited with the family she was forced to leave. This is the same family that Daniel belongs to. Lots of characters in this one, characters who had their own books in this series. But you don't need to have read those to be caught up here.

I thoroughly enjoyed these characters. I liked how they worked things through...and the Christmas theme was lovely to read. Yes, I'd like to read more from this author.



*Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin, for the opportunity to read this book.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

I think this is my favorite book of the series. You see all the characters interacting together, questions of the past all answered and Christmas. I like the story of Daniel falling in love too. Couple of love scenes that I skipped over. They tried hard not to swear and some of their sayings were funny. Lots of emotions, a wedding, Christmas and reunion made for a exciting book.

Daniel Baron is feeling more than ever that he does not fit in with the Barons, now that they all have a partner & kids. He got injured and is thinking of getting out of rodeo and Texas.

Nicole Bennett is working for Adele. She is helping her run Adele business and is a close friend of hers. She is also pregnant.

Adele is Brock Baron's ex-wife who left him and her 4 children. She has not seen them since Jet was a baby.

Nicole is trying to see if the Baron family want to see their mom. She is trying to help get them all together. Daniel does not want her to feel overwhelmed by the Barons. He is attracted to her.

I thought this The Texan's Christmas tied up everything really well. Made all of the characters understand what was going on years ago and forgiving Adele and Brock. Building relationships with each other better and stronger. This is a quick romance that readers of the series will like.

I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give honest review of it.

[Hsiau Wei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daniel is from the Baron’ clan and he has this hovering feeling that he does not fit in this big family especially when most of the family members have partner and kids. What more when he is injured and is thinking of quitting the rodeo arena for good. Nicole is working for Adele, the mother of Daniel’s adopted sibling. She is also pregnant. She tries to help Adele and to see whether the Baron’s children is keen to meet Adele and to get them all together. She knows Adele wanted that more than anything. Daniel is attracted to her and he doesn’t want her to be overhelmed by his sibling. Nicole is preparing to enter into motherhood singlehandedly and she doesn’t want Daniel to help her at all.

This is the 6th book in the series and is one of the best among the book in the series. While the earlier books are riddled with question as to the actual identity of Adele, this book has confirmed it. I love the characters of this book. Nicole is an independent women and I love the fact that she goes after what she want. The chemistry between Daniel and Nicole is obvious and I love the way the story flow as it progressed. Overall, it is good read for me.

[Debbie Oxier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicole hadn't had much luck with men so she decides to be artificially inseminated. She's discovered there are no guarantees in life and she isn't about to miss out on motherhood. After all, she's just helped nurse her employer back to health, a woman who has been more like a mother to her than all the foster mom's she had while growing up.

When she meets Daniel she's attracted to him and doesn't see the harm in getting involved. However, she can't do so without being honest with him so she tells him about her pregnancy. At first he's in shock but he enjoys spending time with Nicole and definitely feels something for her.

This was a nice love story. I bought the book because it was Christmas themed and also involved a pregnancy. What I didn't realize is that it's part of the Baron family series so I wasn't familiar with any of the additional family members, some of which already have had their story told. It didn't take away from Nicole and Daniel's story but I think I would have enjoyed it more had I read the other books first.

[Jess O. (From Jess to You) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"4 out of 5 stars!! I loved how this series wrapped up with Daniel’s story! It is a lighthearted novel about two people, who have always felt like they were living on the outside looking in, finding each other. Yet, after a while of spending time together they have to decide if they want to stick to their personal dreams or to listen to their hearts."

Read more of this review and TWO teasers here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2014/10/feasted-on-texas-rodeo-barons-series.html (Review will be posted on October 1st 2014.)

[Janie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Texan's Christmas" by Tanya Michaels is a continuation of the Texas Rodeo Baron series. Even though it is a part of a series you can read this story alone, but I highly recommend the series. It is a fast read, and enjoyable.

In this story we meet Nicole Bennett who is a go between for Adele, the original Baron family Mom that left her children because of Postpartum depression, and the grown family that wants to get to know her. Daniel Baron, who is the stepson of Adele, meets Nicole and is surprised by his feelings toward her. Only problem is that Nicole had decided to undergo IVF treatments and is now pregnant and about to be a single Mom.

There is much more to this story but it deserves to be read. Many more surprises along the way.

[Amy Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about Daniel and Nicole. Even though I hadn't read the previous books connected with the story, it was still easy to follow along and enjoy. The only thing I had a problem with was how their story focused so much on Adele. I would have enjoyed more page time with the two falling in love and reading about the rest of her pregnancy. Overall, a wonderful Cowboy themed love story for Christmas!

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the Texas Rodeo Barons series, in which former bull rider Daniel Baron is contemplating a new career after his latest injury. When he meets Nicole Bennett, who is intent on helping her mentor renew her relationship with the now-grown children she hasn't seen in years, Daniel is smitten--until he learns that she is pregnant, and he has no desire whatever to marry or, heaven forbid, become a father.

Nicole is attracted to Daniel, but his clear desire to avoid making a family for himself is off-putting. All she's ever wanted is a husband and children and when she learns that her pregnancy is growing not one but two babies (!), she's thrilled and scared at the same time. Can she do it on her own? Does she really want to? If only Daniel felt differently. Or is he having second thoughts about all that?

[Harlow Walsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just ok for me. I read Carmen's review and that does a very good job summing up the same things that I found dissatisfying. I haven't read a lot of the American Romance division, I didn't realize how many dealt with artificial insemination by women wanting to be single mothers. It just isn't that interesting of a trope for me, but other's might really like it. I had not read any of the others in this series, maybe that would have helped, but most of the time they're still pretty good as standalone's. I found both characters to be ok, but nothing really that interesting or compelling regarding either of them.

[Vera Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicole is already pregnant when she becomes attracted to Daniel. But he is no commintment guy.
How can things possibly get worst, then finds out she is to have 2 babies. Nicole always wanted a family her whole life.

How can these two get together? Hard to put down when started reading. Love the way the story turned out. Recommend to others.

[Sandra Whittiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Texan's Christmas (Texas Rodeo Barons)

Nicole had worked hard to get to be the vice president of this company, and while in Dallas, she met some people that her boss wanted her to meet. She just didn't expect to meet the one man who can give her the one thing that she has been without her whole life.

[Dorel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book I read by Tanya Michaels. I loved ❤ this book's storyline. This book's storyline was sad 😞. I loved ❤ the Christmas 🎅🎄🎁 scenes. The dialogue in this story made me laugh 😂. I loved ❤ the hot 🔥 & steamy scenes. I loved ❤ Nicole's character. I loved ❤ Daniel's character. I loved ❤ the ending. Awesome job Ms. Michaels.

[Mary Shreffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel was never going to marry, but meeting Nicole changed his mind

[Katherine P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to start? There was so much I liked about this one it's hard to decide. First there's Nicole. She had a rough upbringing but has been able to work through it and use it to help her be compassionate and strong. She's kind and funny and capable. She gets her feelings hurt but doesn't hold grudges and is willing to talk about what bothers her. She knows what she wants and is able to step away from things that she doesn't think are good for her even if it hurts. And when she gets nervous she changes clothes about 15 times which was something I really related to! Daniel is at a crossroads in his life. He knows he doesn't want to go back to the rodeo but he's not sure exactly what he wants to do. He's also having to come to terms with a family he's never really felt part of. The pregnancy I was so scared of is a factor but in kind of an unusual way. The pregnancy is a medical conception and something that Nicole is sure she wants and excited about despite the regular nerves and fears. The pregnancy kind of forced Daniel to figure out what he wants with his life and really face his demons. It felt authentic and didn't spoil my enjoyment at all.

Cons This is the 6th book in the Texas Rodeo Barons series and the beginning especially felt a bit like the end of a series. All 5 couples from the previous books are there and it took a bit to get everyone sorted out. As well there is a big plot issue that has been building throughout the series that had to be wrapped up so that can feel a little jumbled if you're coming into the series now. There are some fairly serious issues that get resolved pretty quickly. To me it worked but I can see it bothering someone.
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Overall: Once again Tanya Michaels has caused me to stay up far too late to finish a book in one sitting! The characters were the kind of characters you'd want to be friends with and I loved the big family feel to it. While this worked great as a stand alone I think reading the previous 5 books in the series (all by different authors) would improve your enjoyment.

Full review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...

[Kimberly Rocha~ Book Obsessed Chicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicole Bennett has decided to take her life into her own hands. She has gone through IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) to have the one thing she knew she always wanted, even without benefit of a partner in her life, a baby. Nicole has a good job with a wonderful boss and a bright future ahead of her. Only problem now is, Nicole is the go-between with business between Adele and The Baron family. Adele is the mother who walked out on the Baron children after her serious bout of depression, leaving her family when they were so young and in need of a mother. The Baron siblings have a notion that Adele is their mother and it puts Nicole in a precarious situation.

Daniel Baron has decided to leave the rodeo circuit for good. What he will do with the rest of his life is still in the air. Relationship shy, when he connects with Nicole, he begins to feel for her things he never thought possible. Then Nicole tells him that she is having a baby and Daniel almost heads for the hills. His family upbringing has made him doubt he could ever be a father, so when faced with the amazing Nicole, he doesn't know what to do.

The Texan's Christmas Baby by Tanya Michaels is the first Texas Rodeo Barons book I have had the pleasure of reading. I found it very easy to follow and enjoy the entire theme and would love to go back and read the previous tales leading up to this one. Nicole is a character I admire so much for her convictions. It's very hard to go it all alone, but her determination is something else. Daniel is a wonderful character, a gentleman who is understanding and a truly good person. He only has to come to terms with his misgivings, and that is what this book is all about.

[Njkinny (Njkinny's Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Texan's Christmas by Tanya Michaels is the sixth and last book in Texas Rodeo Barons series. In this book, the background mystery of why Adele, Brock Baron's wife and the the mother of the Baron siblings, left them all those years ago is solved. Answers are provided and it was fun watching all the characters from the previous books come together.

In this book, we also see the development of love and romance between Daniel Baron and Nicole Bennett. Nicole is working for Adele and trying to reunite the Baron family. She is also pregnant. Daniel is feeling like he doesnt fit in with the other Barons who are all happy now that they have found their partners. He is thinking of leaving Texas and leaving rodeo but all his plans are thwarted when he crosses paths with Nicole.

I enjoyed the chemistry between these two and the care that Daniel shows towards Nicole. Although attracted towards her, he doesnt want her to feel overwhelmed by the Barons.

A lovely conclusion to this entertaining series, The Texan's Christmas wraps up all the lose ends and brings the Baron family together for a happy reunion. I enjoyed reading the book and give it 4 out of 5. Recommended to all romance lovers, go checkout this book and the series.

I received the book from the publishers via Netgalley and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.

Read this review and others on: http://www.njkinnysblog.com/

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two words to decribe this book was sweet and enjoyable. I loved that there was so much going on in this book. I loved the characters I loved that Nicole was a independant women who goes after what she want. I loved the chemistry between Daniel and Nicole. When it comes to this series it seems like I've been randomly picking and choosing books from this series. When I come across a book I go after it and apparently I've read four other books to this Texans Rodeo Baron's series. Overall this book and the series are great and I highly recommend you lovely readers to check it out.

[Catherine Wright (Cat's Guilty Pleasure) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful quick read. It's a story of two people falling in love despite the fact they feel like they are on the outside of their lives looking in and watching the people in their lives experience love. Daniel was sweet, caring and strong, while Nicole was strong, sweet, beautiful and caring. This was a wonderful love story and I really enjoyed it.

I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Harlequin Books]

"This final story about the Texas Rodeo Barons is a fine wrap-up to this fascinating mini-series. The heroine’s desire to become a single parent is understandable, as is the hero’s reluctance to be a parent at all" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).

Miniseries: Texas Rodeo Barons

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book but of course I had to pick Book 6 of 6 to start reading both this series and the author, who was NTM. I love her writing style and will be looking forward to reading this series in the correct order.

[Sally Kilpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Christmas read. I didn't know how in the blue blazes Michaels was going to get these two together, but she did it. Lots of heart in this book.