When a Cowboy Skips Christmas: Holiday Western Romance

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Bushwhacked by the Ghost of Christmas Past…
Cole Sterling is living a cowboy’s dream—a great job with the Bridger Bunch at Laughing Creek Ranch, a hot romance with gorgeous Mila Bridger, and lively jam sessions with the local country band. Only one glitch. He loathes Christmas. Mila and her family love it. Can he power through without cracking? He has to. Digging up the past is no bueno.

Attracted to sexy Cole from day one, Mila slow-played it. Her last boyfriend used his emotional damage to manipulate her, and Cole has issues. But after six months she’s convinced he’s nothing like her ex. So what if he’s not wild about the holidays? Once she unearths the truth, she’ll find a way to heal his bad Christmas memories with mistletoe kisses.

But can he let go of the Ghost of Christmas Past and embrace her as his Christmas present?

Looking for sexy cowboys, fun family dynamics, and a charming small town? Then mosey on over and meet the Bridger Bunch! Steamy western romances from the NYT bestselling author who brought you the McLintocks of Rowdy Ranch, Montana.

THE BRIDGER BUNCH
The books in this series are standalone romances and can be read in any order.
When a Cowboy Takes Charge
When a Cowboy Tempts Fate
When a Cowboy Skips Christmas

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestseller Vicki Lewis Thompson believes love makes the world go around and laughter makes the trip worth taking. The recipient of RWA’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award and the author of more than ninety books, Vicki pioneered a new kind of romance hero with Nerd in Shining Armor. Following the success of her nerd stories, Vicki launched a boisterous paranormal series featuring a matchmaking witch and wizard, an ADD dragon named George, and a black cat inspired by her own precocious feline, Eve.

Reviews

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since following his sister Jordan to Mustang Valley, Cole Sterling has done his best to ignore his attraction to Mila Bridger. He’s scared that if he pursues her and things don’t work out that he’ll jeopardize his relationship with the Bridger family (not to mention the job and home he has on their ranch). But in When a Cowboy Skips Christmas (Vicki Lewis Thompson’s newest Bridger Bunch romance), Cole finally faces the truth…Mila Bridger is the woman of his dreams. Mila has also been trying to avoid her attraction to Cole; but when he invites her to his apartment to show her a surprise he’s created for her family, they can’t deny their feelings any longer. They both recognize that this isn’t going to be a quick fling…their feelings are deep and genuine. But a major obstacle looms ahead of them. Mila knows that her sister-in-law Jordan doesn’t have happy memories of Christmas, but she has no idea how deeply Cole despises the holiday. The sights and sounds of Christmas trigger a trauma response that leaves him unable to fully function in December. Mila quickly realizes that Cole has serious issues surrounding Christmas, and while she tries to respect his situation, she can’t accept that he won’t open up to her about the depths of his trauma. If Cole doesn’t find a way to finally process his childhood wounds, love may not be enough to win Mila’s heart.

I appreciated the complexity of Jordan’s character in When a Cowboy Tempts Fate, but I think Ms. Thompson does an even better job in developing her brother Cole’s character in this new book. Jordan and Cole come from a troubled background that continues to influence their lives. While Jordan has made major strides in overcoming her childhood trauma (thanks in large part to her new husband Luis Bridger), Cole still hasn’t faced the worst of his experiences. Even Jordan doesn’t know the depths of his issues. And Christmas is one of his biggest triggers. So starting a relationship with Mila at the time of year that hits him hardest emotionally presents numerous problems. I don’t want to spoil too much, but she does reveal the truth about Cole’s childhood, and readers hearts will break for that little boy. Knowing the full truth about his past though makes other scenes in the book particularly powerful, especially the scenes involving Cole’s insistence on helping Mila fulfill the children’s Angel Tree wishes. I love how Ms. Thompson uses Cole’s inner thoughts to demonstrate the emotional struggle he faces with that decision. That scene, more than any other, stands out to me as the moment that Cole took the first steps towards healing.

At the same time, while I sympathize with Cole, I understand Mila’s frustrations. She’s scared that he may never be completely honest with her and that that means he’s also not being completely honest with himself. Mila sees Cole surviving the Christmas season through sheer avoidance tactics and recognizes that it isn’t healthy. Ms. Thompson acknowledges the difficult truth facing Mila…sometimes loving someone isn’t enough. In some situations, the healthiest thing a person can do is walk away. Cole’s PTSD isn’t his fault, but he can control how he responds to it. Seeking help is a brave choice, and I don’t think Mila behaves as if it will be easy. But as long as Cole refuses to face his trauma, it isn’t fair to either of them to pursue a future together. I loved the scene where Mila talks to the Dazzling Damsels about honesty in a relationship. Watching Mila realize that she and Cole may not make it as a couple and knowing that she had to break his heart was emotional. And I appreciate that Ms. Thompson doesn’t avoid heavy emotions in her books.

I highly recommend When a Cowboy Skips Christmas to all fans of steamy cowboy romances. I received an ARC of this novel from the author, but that didn’t influence my review.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole hates Christmas and never celebrates the occasion, it’s unfortunate then that he’s falling in love with Mila who loves it. Mila knows that Cole is ‘the one’ but can a relationship between them work when he won’t open up about his past?
A lovely family oriented Christmas story where lancing old wounds promotes healing and a HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole and Mila have tons of chemistry, and their families are excited that they have finally gotten together. Everything would be perfect if it weren't Christmastime. Cole has scars from childhood Christmases, and Mila wants him to open up about what happened. He has spent years shoving it all down, so he is not sure he can do that. Will they get their HEA? This is a lovely, romantic story with lots of funny and sweet moments.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read Cowboys and Vicki always does a great job writing in all the details so you are there with the characters - revisiting with previous ones is a bonus! Mila and her whole family loves Christmas, so how can a Cowboy with major issues with all of his past Christmas to date get along well in a romantic relationship - read this book and find out!!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming story of a grown man, Cole Sterling, who hates Christmas, because of his nightmare Christmas childhood. Mila Bridger loves Christmas and hopes her crush on Cole will be reciprocated, at Christmastime. Can Cole ignore the joy and love of Christmas giving that he’s learning, through the warmth of Mila Bridger's loving heart?

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that Cole realized he was now one of the Bridger Bunch and he belonged on the Laughing Creek Ranch. His story was a sad one but now with a much-needed happy ending and maybe he would not be needing to skip Christmas again since Milo came into his life. I loved the characters! I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole and Mila have circled around each other for months. When he finally finishes his newest project, he invites her over to see it before the big reveal. Although he carries horrible Christmas baggage from his childhood, he starts to loosen the reins when it comes to her obvious love for the holiday. A fun story for the holiday!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very heartwarming story, with all the feelings. Mutual attraction, feisty couple with some realistic challenges that just need the magic of Christmas. I appreciate their maturity as they work with the good and deal with their blending their differences.

[Vickie Raynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a book by this author, I’m left with a big smile and a warmth inside. Cole was so broken that I was anxious to hear his story. I was right there with Mila. Following them both on their journey was definitely Christmas magic.

[Sharon]

Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thompson captures all the holiday feels in this latest Bridger Bunch novel. While the decorations might be picked up, this will keep you in the holiday spirit a while longer.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review for a honest review in my own words on a book I read. What a beautiful story of family and the chemistry between Cole and Mila . I love this character cole because of the fact of what he went through and what he wants and needs .