Must Love Christmas Cowboys

by Diana Palmer, Heather Graham

Whether they’re out on the range or working in town, these men are rough, rugged, and ready for action. They’re true-blue cowboys and the stays of these brand new Christmas novellas from New York Times bestselling authors Diana Palmer and Heather Graham, set against the snowy backdrop of Colorado.

THE PERFECT GIFT * Diana Palmer
Rancher Ty Blakeney has more than enough reasons to be grumpy. Plus, it’s unseasonably cold, Christmas decorations are up annoyingly early, and now there’s a wailing little boy on his property, a frantic young woman chasing after him. Ty recognizes her, recently orphaned, scraping by to raise her young brother. Both of them as alone as he is. But between the three of them, along with a puppy in need of a home—and the magic of the holidays—they might just discover the gift of family comes in all kinds of packages.

CHRISTMAS, CRIME, AND A COWBOY * Heather Graham
When successful New York artist Jessy Danson inherits her beloved late grandfather’s Colorado property, she’s forced to tear herself away from her busy city life. While she hopes to wrap things up in time to leave for Christmas, her disinterest in the house’s rich history baffles Wyatt McFarlane, her grandfather’s handsome neighbor. But the house—and Wyatt—become exceptionally interesting when dangerous robbers break in, determined that Jessy will lead them to a hidden treasure. It’s a good thing there’s a hero right next door . . .

Genres: Contemporary, Christmas, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Romance

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.

(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.

She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.

Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.

In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.

Reviews

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Must Love Christmas Cowboys by Diana Palmer and Heather Graham, I love the short romantic novella but must admit this one after reading many is my least favorite although I did like the last one with Jessica Darling and the treasure, I just didn’t like the way Jessica and Wyatt were the best at whatever they did he could’ve played professional ball or been a popular musician but instead has a secret career on top of being a cowboy and Jessica is a fantastic artist deep-sea diver and she can also sing it seems like both of them are related to Midas and everything they touch turns to gold, not people I can relate to but getting over that I still enjoy the story as for the first one with Ty, Sarah and her little brother I also thought this one was just OK I mean they referred to grown-up Sarah as an orphan which I mean I guess because she has no parents along with her five year-old brother but that just seems a bit old-fashioned and she also is a great artist and of course is poor as dirt, until surprise up on surprise she is left a big inheritance I usually like books like this but I don’t know there was just something about writing characters where it seems the best most perfect things happen to them maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for it but even all my best day I don’t like books where the character seems to be talented beyond belief. I guess because I cannot identify with that or maybe it’s unbelievable I don’t know I still read the books and for the most part enjoyed them and a few Love romantic short stories than Diana Palmer is one of the best at writing those I just wasn’t a big fan of this one also how sleazy was the DJ and what a mansplainer he really got under my skin but he was supposed to so that’s OK.#NedGalley, #KensingtonBooks, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #HeatherGram, #DianePalmer, #MustLoveChristmasCowboys,

[Denise Schenk · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE PERFECT GIFT by Diana Palmer is the story of Ty Blakeney he finds a young boy and his sister on his property hunting a wuppie. When he runs into the young woman again, he finds that the wuppie is actually a small puppy! Another of Diana's stories of the man learning to let go of the past and embrace the future.
CHRISTMAS, CRIME, AND A COWBOY by Heather Graham is the story of Jessy Danson a NYC artist returning to her grandfather's ranch that she is inheriting. She runs into Wyatt McFarlane the boy from next door that is now man with secrets of his own. There have been a lot of robberies lately and it seems it could be tied to her grandfathers ranch.

[Shelley C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must Love Christmas Cowboys🎄🤠

Must Love Christmas Cowboys is a compilation of two short stories, one by Diana Palmer and the other by Heather Graham. I’ve only read Diana before, but quickly jumped for the opportunity when I saw this title. I definitely enjoy a good Christmas love story as well as some hunky cowboys😍

Diana’s story was about a young woman and her younger brother navigating life now that her father has passed on. Not very worldly (but smart in a well read sense), she’s suddenly thrust into a world where she is now caretaker to her brother, artist on the side to make money and attention from multiple males the likes of which she’s never dealt with before.

Heather’s story is a bit more of a mystery suspense in that a woman returns to the family ranch after her grandfather passes away, to ensure everything is running seamlessly. Only to run into the one person she wasn’t expecting and who she had a crush on when she was younger. Turns out not everything is as it seems as crime has been ramping up and everyone who lives on a ranch and surrounding areas is potentially the next victim. Though, nothing a little sleuthing to solve the mystery with a Christmas love story to tie it all together🥰

I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and voluntarily leave my honest review❣️

[Michelle Claypot_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun boxset with two novella length stories I really enjoyed.

You get two great small town romances with an interesting group of characters that eventually get their HEA. I loved the setting for both stories and it was a fun, quick read.

I received an arc of this book

[Jana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh, I hate writing bad reviews but sometimes it has to be done. I was excited to read this one. It’s two novellas, one by Diane Palmer. I read her a lot in high school and college. I consider her “classic” romance along the lines of Nora Roberts and Robyn Carr.

But this book felt so dated. I looked twice at the release date (2025) but I feel like this must be a republishing. This felt like a book a 60 year old wrote about a 20 year old making a lot of assumptions of “what the kids are up to these days.” There were references to a phone book, CDs, and at one point the MMC tells the FMC that age 34 is a little late to get married and have kids. Is this 1950? If this is a re-release, an editor really should have gone through to update it as I rolled my eyes many times during the reading. There is even a scene where the MMC gets mad at her for not feeling ready for sex. Ugh. Nope. Our book boyfriends are much more evolved than that.

Romance novels are a lot more elevated now than they were during Diana Palmer’s prime. With authors like Abby Jimenez and Emily Henry releasing books with complicated heroines and deep storylines, these sweet sappy insta-love books that were popular in the 80s and 90s just don’t work anymore.

The second novella by Heather Graham was fine. It was romantic suspense and it’s hard to build a lot of tension in a short amount of time. But it was ok.

So this overall was a miss for me. I was hoping the nostalgia of a Diana Palmer book would hold but it just didn’t work at all for me.

I received this Advanced Readers Copy via NetGalley. It releases Sept 30, 2025.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into Must Love Christmas Cowboys expecting cocoa, mistletoe, and maybe a slow-burn romance where someone fixes a tractor shirtless. What I got was one grumpy cowboy with a tragic backstory, one city girl dodging armed burglars, and a Christmas tree blinking helplessly in the background like ...should I be here?

This book is two novellas, one by Diana Palmer, one by Heather Graham. They’re technically both holiday cowboy romances but only if your idea of a holiday is emotional trauma meets livestock with bonus light crime. It's a double feature where no one has ever heard the word "subtlety," and frankly, I respect that.

Diana Palmer’s story, The Perfect Gift, is basically what happens when a wounded Special Ops cowboy meets a tiny artist with a kid brother and enough unresolved trauma to fill a saddlebag. Ty Blakeney is a human glacier with strong "I don’t do Christmas or feelings" energy. That is, until he meets Sara and her five-year-old brother Ed, who literally shows up crying on Ty’s property like a Hallmark plot device with legs. There’s also a stray puppy they call a wuppie which I have chosen not to emotionally unpack.

Sara is one of those sweetly tragic heroines who is broke, lonely, wildly gifted at art, and somehow still thinks she’s unlovable. She’s raising her little brother after their parents died and she spends most of the book being emotionally gaslit by circumstance and her own self-doubt. Ty? He's got a military past, a fake name, and exactly zero social skills. Naturally, they fall in love after about three conversations and a drive to Denver. It’s giving emotional whiplash with a side of hot cocoa.

Then you flip to Heather Graham’s novella, Christmas, Crime, and a Cowboy, and suddenly we’re in an episode of NCIS: Colorado. Jessy Danson is a New York artist who comes home to wrap up her late grandfather’s estate. She plans to sell the family ranch and yeet herself back to city life. Except the ranch is crawling with thieves, family secrets, and her old neighbor Wyatt, a walking bicep with a badge and a conveniently secret undercover job.

Things escalate fast. Like, armed robbers fast. There’s a missing girl, a buried treasure subplot, and a love story that kicks off mid-home invasion. It’s bonkers, but it kind of rules. Jessy and Wyatt have real chemistry, and their history gives the relationship just enough depth to make the insta-connection work. Are they overpowered as characters? Yeah. Jessy can paint, deep-sea dive, and probably juggle flaming torches. Wyatt is basically a cowboy Jason Bourne. But honestly, I was too busy stress-eating peppermint bark to care.

Here’s the real tea: these stories are both entertaining, but they’re doing wildly different things. Palmer’s story leans soft and sentimental, like a holiday card from 1992 that smells like cinnamon and internalized repression. Graham’s is more like Home Alone but if Kevin had access to federal crime databases and a shotgun. Together, they make for a slightly chaotic but enjoyable ride.

The downside? Some of the language in Palmer’s story feels dated, like it’s been thawed out from the early 2000s and nobody proofread for emotional evolution. There are weird phrases, old-school tropes, and a DJ character who’s such a sleaze he might as well come with his own warning label. But there’s enough heart to forgive the corniness. Just maybe don’t read it with your modern feminist lens fully dialed in or you’ll pop a forehead vein.

All in all, this is a solid 3.5-star cozy crime-and-cowboy combo. Is it groundbreaking? No. Is it entertaining? Absolutely. You get hot guys with tragic pasts, small-town Christmas chaos, a puppy, a kidnapping, and someone falling in love next to a nativity set. That’s what I call holiday spirit.

Merry Mayhem Prize: For Featuring a Wuppie, a Hot Neighbor Spy, and Enough Christmas Lights to Distract From the Plot Holes

Huge thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. And for enabling my toxic relationship with emotionally unavailable men in cowboy hats.

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must Love Christmas Cowboys is compilation of novellas by Diana Palmer and Heather Graham.

The Perfect Gift by Diana Palmer is the story of a world weary man and a very sheltered young woman. Talented artist Sara Whittaker had been trapped in a life of service; first to her sickly mother, then to her much younger brother Ed, as she cared for and protected them from her abusive alcoholic father. With her father now gone, she learns of an inheritance from her late mother’s father that will take Sara and Ed away from hand to mouth living.

On a particular morning Ed cries out making Sara stop her battered car at the side of the road as Ed jumps out and runs into the brush looking for a wuppie. As neighbor Ty Blakeney passes by, he sees them and expects a breakdown, not a wuppie search. Ty is a mysterious man with many secrets to hide. While some are fearful of him, Sara and Ed are very comfortable in the big man’s company.

While there are past familial connections Sara is unaware of, new connections are not something Ty is seeking. But perhaps that is exactly what Ty should be looking for.

This is a lovely novella. I like the characters and plot, the Colorado setting, and the twists revealed as the story unfolds. The only criticism I have is that I would have loved to see it fully fleshed out into the novel it could be.

The second novella is Christmas, Crime, and a Cowboy by Heather Graham. Jessy Danson has returned to her dear grandfather’s Colorado ranch to take possession after his passing with the intention of returning to her New York home after things are settled. The staff has been keeping operations running well and it is Jessy’s plan to have them continue on while checking in several times a year while being on call as needed.

As she approaches the ranch she passes the McFarlane ranch and stops when she sees the biggest dog she’s ever seen coming towards the car followed by her teenage crush, Wyatt McFarlane. While Wyatt had been away working for awhile, he was back with his family dairy business as well as working for a sound company that distributes equipment for musicians and music venues, thus traveling a lot. At least this cover seems quite plausible.

There have been many robberies in the region of late but the last one left a mother in ICU and her teenage daughter missing. When this is discussed at a gig Wyatt is playing his guest Jessy is adamant about unused outbuildings on old ranches and that they must search them all before it’s too late. Thus the story begins.

This is also a very good story with a subplot that guides the story along. With well drawn characters in this mountain setting Ms. Graham has written a very good novella, each of the two complementing the other. I did enjoy this compilation and do recommend it!

[Haney Hayes Promotions · Rating 3 out of 5]

Must Love Christmas Cowboys delivers two distinct holiday romances: one soft and emotional, the other suspenseful and high-stakes. Both offer winter charm, cowboy appeal, and just enough Christmas warmth to make them cozy seasonal reads.

It’s a solid 3-star collection — enjoyable, comforting, and great for readers who love cowboy heroes and snowy mountain settings, even if the romances feel a bit quick or slightly uneven between the two stories.

If you love:
✨ rugged cowboys with soft hearts
✨ snowy ranch settings
✨ found family
✨ holiday suspense with a twist
✨ quick, cozy Christmas novellas

…this collection is a perfect winter escape.

THE PERFECT GIFT — Diana Palmer

This novella centers on Ty Blakeney, a classic Palmer hero—grumpy, rugged, emotionally locked down, and avoiding holiday cheer like it’s a contagion. His life is quiet and intentionally solitary… until a young boy ends up crying on his property, followed by the boy’s overwhelmed older sister.

Ty recognizes her immediately: newly orphaned, struggling to raise her little brother, and doing everything she can to survive. Their loneliness mirrors his own, and watching the three of them slowly become a makeshift family brings a soft emotional glow to the story.

The holiday elements are warm and tender, from the snowy ranch setting to the adorable puppy that practically forces Ty to crack open his hard shell. The romance is sweet, though a bit fast and lightly sketched, typical of a novella. Still, the found-family vibes are the highlight, making it a comforting Christmas read.

CHRISTMAS, CRIME, AND A COWBOY — Heather Graham

Heather Graham brings suspense and action to this collection with a story that blends holiday charm with criminal intrigue. Jessy Danson, a successful New York artist, inherits her grandfather’s Colorado property and expects a quick trip—sell the house, make peace with the past, and head back to the city.

But Wyatt McFarlane, the handsome cowboy next door, has other ideas… and so do the robbers who break into the property in search of rumored treasure. Suddenly Jessy is caught in a dangerous mystery, and Wyatt becomes both her protector and her anchor in a world she thought she’d left behind.

This novella is fun, fast-paced, and peppered with Graham’s signature suspense. The romance is cute, though slightly overshadowed by the action and the treasure-hunt plot. The holiday touches are lighter, but the tension and pacing keep you turning pages.

[Mary Kirkland · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Gift by Diana Palmer

Ed and Sara and brother and sister and since their dad just passed away, Sara has been doing all sorts of odd jobs to keep them afloat. Ed is only 5 years old and Ty stops by the side of the road one night where a frantic Sara can't find her brother because he's wandered off after their car broke down. While Ed is out looking for the "Wuppie" Ty Helps Sara find him, the wuppie turns out to be a little German Shepard puppy that needs some care.

Later on Sara visits her family's lawyer who tells her some really good news thanks to her grandfather's quick thinking. Ty wants to get to know Sara better and things are going well for a while but Ty has had his share of gold digging women who have hurt him so he's not quick to let love in his life and that seems like the end of his and Sara's growing relationship. Thankfully Ty gets his head together and hopes that Sara will find it in her heart to forgive him. These two sure took their time finding each other but it works out in the end. I loved Goose- the Wuppie. This dog got into all sorts of hilarious trouble.

I give this story 4 out of 5 stars.


Christmas, Crime, and A Cowboy by Heather Graham

Jessy comes back to her grandfather's property after he passes away and wills the property to her. She's hoping to wrap things up before Christmas so she can get back to her family since her father is sick. But the handsome neighbor, Wyatt who she knew when they were both younger is there and very happy to see her back. While they are hitting it off very well, there are robbers who are hitting properties and getting bolder and bolder and much more dangerous with each new robbery. They started out not hurting anyone but now they are.

When a woman is kidnapped and her life is on the line, Jessy remembers something about these older properties that might help save the woman. When the robbers hit closer to home and it puts Jessy and danger, Wyatt makes sure that she stays safe but in doing so, his big secret comes out and ruins all the progress they made in their relationship.

This was such a great mystery about the robbers as well as a wonderful romance between Jessy and Wyatt. I really liked how it ended.

I give this story 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure: I was given an ebook of this title via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Perfect Gift: James Tiberius Blakeney aka “Ty” finds Sara Whittaker parked on the side of the road. He stops to help as her little brother, Ed, has run off looking for something. She has been struggling to make ends meet after the death of her mother, then her abusive father. She paints and is able to sell them to the visitors in town to supplement their income. Ty was aware of Sara, but had no idea that she was having a difficult time financially. He is attracted to her and doesn’t want to be as he just left a bad experience with his ex. There is nothing artificial about Sara which makes her even more intriguing. When a man expresses interest in her, he knows that the man, can’t be trusted. She finds him intriguing, but knows that he would never be interested in a woman like her. When she learns who he is, is there an actual chance at a future together for them?
Christmas, Crime and a Cowboy: Jessy Danson has left New York to decide what to do with the ranch she has inherited from her grandfather. Her father is ill and unable to come to the ranch. She meets her neighbor, Wyatt McFarlane who plays with his band, the Rustic Cowboys, at Murphy’s pub. He warns her that there has been a series of strange robberies targeting the area and to be careful. When an eighteen-year-old girl is missing and her mother injured when their home is robbed, she joins forces with Wyatt as they are both aware of places on their ranches where someone could hide or be hidden. Someone is searching for her grandfather’s treasure, but she has no idea what that could be. When her home is broken into, will Wyatt find her in time and end the reign of terror attacking their town? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must Love Christmas Cowboys by Diana Palmer and Heather Graham in one novella each. The Perfect Gift is Palmer’s contribution and it’s a good one. Ty had had a long day when he came upon a woman on the side of the road, calling a name. It turns out she was looking for her little brother, who was looking for a wuppie (“wittle puppy”) he had seen and wanted to help. Sara was the woman’s name and she had been left to care for her brother. They had a declining ranch and Sara’s paintings to live on and they were scraping by. The woman who sold her paintings said they were worth much more and sent one to a gallery in Denver. Her truck wouldn’t make if so she found her a ride: Ty. Rumors about him were rife. Sara kind of liked him. Her mentor had been right. People were willing to pay much more for her paintings so now she had a little money. Ty was skeptical. He had been dropped for a richer man (she thought) and he was bitter. That didn’t stop his attraction for Sara.

Heather Graham’s novella was Christmas, Crime, and a Cowboy and featured Jessy, who had been left her grandfather’s ranch. She loved it there but her life was in New York. She didn’t know how to tell them, the people that had worked for her grandfather and now worked for her. She had a sixth sense about things, like the feeling that the missing young woman was in an out building somewhere. She didn’t know her neighbor was a marshal, but they found the girl. No one could believe it.

Both good stories, with interesting characters, and, of course, romance. Well done plots in a few words. Good reads, both.

I was invited to read Must Love Christmas Cowboys by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #DianaPalmer #HeatherGraham #MustLoveChristmasCowboys

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Must Love Christmas Cowboys is a story duet by Diana Palmer and Heather Graham. These beloved writers joined forces to share a couple of romances. Both have characters with secrets but as in every romance a HEA is to be found by the conclusion.

Diana Palmer’s story, The Perfect Gift is not what one would call a Christmas story. It takes place over several months where an abused older daughter and young son are suddenly on their own. The dialogue is how the story is mostly told, with a nearby rancher with secrets of his own involved. Even by the conclusion there is still many unanswered questions concerning Ty, though much is also implied. By biggest struggle was that the town people seemed to know of the abuse, but Sara’s father was never charged with anything. That seemed wrong to try to explain his behavior because of his past experiences. Violence such as his is always wrong. 1 Star

Heather Graham’s entry, Christmas, Crime, and a Cowboy has a beloved grandfather leaving the ranch to a granddaughter, Jessy Danson, who does not plan to stay, coming there to set the ranch in order. This story does take place during the holiday season. It has much more suspense to it which I would expect from this author. Jessy and next-door neighbor, Wyatt, knew each other from summer visits years ago. The story is concise and fast paced which is expected of a novella with robberies, a search for treasure, Wyatt more than he first seems and a satisfactory conclusion. 4 Stars
Together 2.5 Stars rounding up to 3 Stars.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Must Love Christmas Cowboys by Diana Palmer & Heather Graham is a double-book with two Christmas Novellas: The Perfect Gift by Diana Palmer, and Christmas, Crime, and a Cowboy by Heather Graham. I loved both stories for different reasons.

The Perfect Gift features Sara and Ty, Sara’s little brother… and an adorable wuppie. It’s a fun story with some drama, a bit spicy, and a storyline that completely captured my attention. There’s also an underlying mystery that you’ll enjoy following.

Christmas, Crime, and a Cowboy by Heather Graham is a romantic suspense wrapped in Christmas mistletoe. Jessy inherits her grandfather’s ranch with no intention of staying. A fast visit with an even faster escape back to the city is her plan… but strange things are happening on the ranch, and one intense cowboy with secrets, Wyatt, will have her hesitating on that decision.

If you enjoy your Christmas Romances with a touch of danger, a bit of suspense, and a whole lot of secrets… plus a cute wuppie, then you’d love Must Love Christmas Cowboys by Diana Palmer & Heather Graham.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review, giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

The contains two stories
1. The Perfect Gift by Diana Palmer
Ty is a pretty tough cookie known to be a rancher with a special ops background and connections. He also has a secret identity. Sara is a young woman who has a 5 year old brother Ed who she is sole provider for with both her parents dead. Both have difficult pasts. Sara is an artist who doesn’t know her worth. Against his better judgment Ty falls for Sara. She didn’t need much help falling for him after some things he helps her with. Watch out for the wuppie.

2. Christmas, Crime and a Cowboy
Jessy has returned to her grandfather’s ranch in Colorado. She meets up with former sort of nemesis Wyatt, who was also her teenage crush. Burglaries have been happening nearby. Wyatt is determined to protect Jessy. Love bursts upon the scene like a fire bursting from where it’s been smoldering for a long time.

I enjoyed each story for different reasons. Sara and Ty’s story felt more romantic to me. Jessy and Wyatt’s story was definitely more suspense with feelings thrown into the mix.
Must Love Christmas Cowboys is a keeper for the upcoming Christmas season.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read a copy before publication.

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 2 out of 5]

Must Love Christmas Cowboys is a book that contains two novellas by Diana Palmer and Heather Graham. I am in the unpleasant position to report that I disliked both. Not very festive of me, but it is what it is. At least THE PERFECT GIFT by Diana Palmer had Sara's little brother, who made the story interesting. It had way too many elements that made the story feel over the top and very unrealistic. Sara is not only a very talented artist whose talent is discovered randomly and goes from selling her art for 20-30 bucks to a few thousand, but she also ends up inheriting a large sum of money. And of course, she meets our hero Ty, who is mysterious, tortured, and hides from everyone after a betrayal. For a novella, it certainly had a lot of things to unpack, and it didn't focus much on the holidays or the romance.

As for Christmas, Crime, and A Cowboy by Heather Graham, my biggest issue was the lack of chemistry between Jessy and Wyatt. They just didn't work for me, and I didn't like that Jessy thought she was better than Wyatt for most of the story, just because Wyatt stayed in their small town and she went to the city. She wasn't a nice person, and the whole pairing missed the mark for me.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A duo of stories by two favorite authors set against the backdrop of the Christmas season.

The Perfect Gift is a sweet romance between grumpy rancher, Ty, and Sara young, innocent woman struggling to raise her younger brother, Edward, It's a simple, tender story, about two people who weren't looking for love, but found it just the same. There are some amusing interludes, usually provided by Edward and his young innocence.

In my opinion, the second story, Christmas, Crime and a Cowboy was the stronger of the two stories. Jessy Danson comes back to Colorado after inheriting her grandfather's ranch, she reconnects with her neighbor, rancher Wyatt McFarland. Before long, they find themselves in the middle of an investigation of several robberies in the area. This story had me hooked from the start. Though this is a novella, I never felt the story was rushed. The action was well paced. The characters were well developed even though there was limited time to flush them out. The dialogue was clever and witty. And I'd buy the book just to have this story to re-read again and again.

I give this book 3.5 stars because I enjoyed one of the stories more than the other.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington for a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tanya Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diana Palmer is a guilty pleasure. I’ve read so many of them, and even if they are a little predictable, that is part of the enjoyment. It is just a cosy read when I want something that I know is going to have a happy ending and I can just enjoy it without stressing over characters too much. That isn’t a complaint or a criticism, she is a comfort read for that very reason, and I wouldn’t change it at all. Heather Graham, I haven’t read as many - I think a lot of them have been in anthologies with Diana Palmer, but she is also just as enjoyable.

The two stories in this book are really enjoyable, both with a Christmas theme (Christmas *and* cowboys, it’s just getting all the guilty pleasures in one hit). I really enjoyed the intrigue with the second story (Heather Graham’s one) - but I’m glad that they could get everything sorted out and have the happy ending in time for Christmas.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

These 2 novellas by Diana Palmer and Heather Graham are vastly different. Christmas is not a really prominent feature in the stories so I guess it is good the book came out in September.

Diana Palmer's story is typical Diana Palmer - older, jaded, male lead and naive young virgin. Throw in a severely alcoholic father (to said girl) who has been beating and abusing her for years - although this close knit town could care less and just looks the other way. There were not many redeeming features to the story. Her little brother and their puppy were cute. The story was so outdated, it was really hard to relate to anyone or anything.

Heather Graham's story is a romantic suspense, and while slightly better, still needed more development. The leads were a bit too perfect, and were just hard to connect to.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Kensington Publishing through NetGalley.
These two novellas are perfect for a quiet night. They can be read together or completely separately.
Palmer's style comes through clearly. She writes old fashioned love stories and readers know the formula. This one had a few outdated references but offers a sweet tale. There is some suspense but it mild and predictable.
Graham offers a more modern style. Her story has more suspense and edginess in the plotline. One is not as straightforward as first portrayed but his undercover role is shared early on. When Jessy is targeted, Wyatt breaks his cover and saves her. When he is threatened, she does the same. The resolution comes a bit quickly but does leave some parts of their lives to be resolved later on.

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two classics from the queens of western romance. There's mystery, romance, and a bit of suspense set during the holidays. Classic Diana Palmer story of a young woman who fought off an abusive father to care for her younger brother. Now a worldly older man takes her under his wing and a relationship ensues.

In Heather Graham's story, neighbors reunited after a death work together to determine who's responsible for recent home invasions in the surrounding towns. But there's secrets to their team identities that might threaten the future. Full of action, with a surprise ending.

Although I received a free ARC from Net galley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are the honest truth.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book actually contains two Christmas novellas, each equally good.

In The Perfect Gift, even though the book centers around Ty and Sara, I think Ed and the wuppie stole the book and who wouldn't love having a Mrs Grimes in their lives?

In Christmas, Crime, and A Cowboy, This book centers around Wyatt and Jessy, with a little bit of intrigue thrown in. They grew up together and were next door neighbors, but Jessy moved away and now is back due to collecting an inheritance.

I recommend picking this book up if you're looking for quick, but good, Christmas reads.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two charming stories, perfect for the cozy days leading up to Christmas.

In the first, a lonely rancher finds unexpected love in the person he least expected, turning his quiet life into a heartwarming happily-ever-after.

The second story takes a more mysterious turn, as the hunt for those responsible for a series of crimes unfolds. Jessy returns to her inherited estate, where she reconnects with her old friend Wyatt. Sparks soon fly between them, but the question remains—can he convince her to stay?

I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Gift by Diana Palmer follows Ty as he steps in to help his neighbor and her young brother after their abusive father dies. It’s warm and steady, and the small acts of kindness give the story its weight.

Christmas, Crime and a Cowboy by Heather Graham shifts to suspense. Wyatt and Jessy try to figure out who’s behind a string of burglaries that have turned violent. The mix of danger and holiday setting works well.

I enjoyed both stories.

[Barbara Lack · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Gift by Diana Palmer

This is a short story that is very romantic. There’s angst and lots of emotion. It’s a feel good book that has a wonderful ending.

Christmas, Crime, And A Cowboy by Heather Graham

This is a short read. It’s got mystery and suspense. It’s a heartwarming story. It’s a great quick Christmas read.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this/these book(s) and I am voluntarily reviewing both.

Both stories were a light read not too heavy. They were very entertaining and I am so glad to have read them. The two authors featured are highly revered and produce delightful reads.

If you are looking for something that will be a quick escape, then give these two stories in one a try.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC copy of this book in return for a review.

Two fun cowboy romances in this volume. I enjoyed both stories, one by Diana Palmer and one by Heather Graham. Pick this one up in late September 2025.

[Patricia Bello · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for this arc.

3.5 stars. I really enjoyed both stories but I enjoyed Diana Palmer’s story a bit more. They are clean/closed door, sweet and easy stories that would be great to read leading up to the holidays.

[Laura R · Rating 3 out of 5]

These two novellas are set during the Christmas holiday. There's plenty of emotional moments in each story and Must Love Christmas Cowboys has an element of suspense. Both are quick reads.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

These were two great short stories dealing with the holidays. They will put you in the holiday spirit and you will also enjoy a bit of a mystery.

[Kimberly A]

DNR