Rose and Boone: A Second Chance Billionaire Cowboy Christmas Romance

by Summer James

She left me once.
Now she’s back—with a four-year-old who looks a little too familiar.

Five years ago, Rose Howard walked out of Buckhorn—out of my life.
I told myself I was over her.
Hell, I tried to be.

But when she shows up in town right before Christmas—soft smile, that same honey-sweet voice—all those promises we made in the barn come rushing back.
She says she’s just here to help her mama, but the minute I see the little girl by her side… my world stops.
Because those eyes?
They’re mine.

Now every glance, every brush of her hand, feels like coming home and losing control all over again.
I should keep my distance.
But I can’t.

She’s the one who got away.
But this time… I’ll fight for the family I didn’t know I had.

Christmas in Buckhorn’s about second chances…
And this one’s mine.


Rose and Boone is a standalone billionaire western romance in the “Buckhorn Ranch” series. Get ready for small-town Christmas charm, a shocking secret baby reveal, and spicy second-chance cowboy heat. No cheating or cliffhangers. And a boot scootin’ happily-ever-after.

Genres: Christmas, Second Chance

381 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2025

About the author

Summer James writes steamy contemporary romance that will make your toes curl.

Swoon over sinfully delicious billionaire cinnamon rolls—alpha bad boys with sweet hearts and smokin' hot buns. Summer will have you flipping pages and falling in love.

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Reviews

[Kellyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This captivating book masterfully interweaves two powerful narratives, promising readers a rich and unforgettable experience. At its heart is the poignant story of Boone and Rose, a pair of high school sweethearts whose seemingly idyllic romance was abruptly shattered. Their separation began five years prior when Rose made the difficult decision to leave the familiar confines of their small hometown, Buckhorn, to pursue a college education, convinced she was embarking on a journey away from her past for good.

Now, the past demands her return. Rose is compelled to come back to Buckhorn to care for her ailing mother. This homecoming is made all the more complex by the presence of her four-year-old daughter, a secret she has carried for years.

The central emotional thread of the novel is the compelling second chance romance between Boone and Rose. Their reunion is charged with a deep history and unspoken pain, offering a powerful exploration of two young lovers torn apart by distance and the massive, undisclosed truth of Rose's pregnancy. The underlying tension that defines their renewed proximity explodes when Rose finally reveals the truth about her daughter to Boone. This revelation forces him to grapple not only with the life-altering news of his child but also with the mounting troubles plaguing his family ranch.

From the first page, I found myself completely immersed in the lives of Boone and Rose and the secrets of Buckhorn. This book proved impossible to put down, standing as a truly great story that seamlessly blends the passionate intensity of a second chance romance.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, steamy, suspenseful, and darling love story set in a western environment.

Rose & Boone were high school sweethearts, totally in love and with the hopes of forever. But she graduates and heads to college, while he refuses to follow and stays behind to take care of the ranch. 5 years later, she is back in town to help her mom, but she comes back bearing a little secret, her daughter. Boone recognizes his eyes in the little girl, and his heart knows that she is his, and nothing will stop from claiming her and her mom for him. Between conversations, moments, and secrets revealed, their feelings and chemistry is latent once again.

Boone will have to fight to keep Rose and his daughter with him as he also tries to hold onto his ranch.

A heartfelt love story about family, forgiveness, acceptance, legacy, family and true love. Be sure to pick this book !!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ranch romance

This is another well written, entertaining story by Summer James. With second chance romance, drama, family, great chemistry, mistrust, forgiveness, romance and love.

Rose and Boone had been high-school sweethearts but after she graduates she left for college while he refused to leave their small town, instead staying to look after his family ranch. When she comes back five years later to help her mum she brings a daughter with her and despite trying to avoid him, not easy in a small town, when Boone sees her he knows she must be his.

Can he convince her mum to let him back into their lives? He'll have to fight for them as well as his ranch in this brilliant romance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow you get two stories in one with this book. Boone and Rose were in love as teens but she left for college thinking she was leaving small town Buckhorn behind. Five years later she is back to look after her sick mother bringing her four year old daughter with her. Not only do you get Boone and Rose's second chance at love but there is also the mystery of who is sabotaging Boone's family ranch. This is one book I couldn't put down.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Meg Gruber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both FMC and the MMC are written well; real and struggling. Miscommunications have lead to pain and mistrust.

Rose and Boone were HS sweethearts. She left for college and he stayed to run the family ranch. Five years later she sneaks back to her hometown to care for her sick mom. And she returns with her four year old daughter.
Can she avoid Boone in this small town? They drifted apart thinking it was the other who wanted to part. Can they face it other? The spark is still there under layers of pain and mistrust.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Rose and Boone” by Summer James

-A tender second-chance romance where former high school sweethearts must confront old wounds. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest impressions.

Rose’s return to Buckhorn—with her young daughter and years of secrets—shakes Boone’s quiet ranch life. As mystery and sabotage swirl around his family land, buried feelings reignite with surprising force.

A heartfelt blend of love, truth, and small-town suspense that’s impossible to put down. I recommend this story.

[Cindy Caron · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy to read! The characters were wholesome and fun, keeping you on your toes and on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the end. A true test of time and love, where second chances are always a possibility if the time and effort are in place.
Rose and Boone certainly had their very long list of obstacles to hurdle, yet through them all, there was always one constant that continually brought them back to the table, forcing them to work it all out.
A beautiful read, well worth the time!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This interesting story has a little bit of suspense and a whole lot of drama. Rose and Boon e were high school sweethearts. She left to attend college, and he stayed behind to work the farm and didn't know about the gift he left with Rose. When she returns to take care of her mother her secret comes out. Will they get a chance to rekindle their love and find happiness.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose and Boone is a standalone billionaire western romance in the “Buckhorn Ranch” series. And a feel-good story.

The plot was pretty straightforward. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra Soehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose and Boone is a great story of 2 younger lovers that grew apart due to distance and an unknown pregnancy. When Rose come back to town and tells Boone the truth, can he deal with that and all that's going on around him? Great story with some mystery.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Loved Boone and Rose’s story. Boone had my heart melting with how much he loved his family, Rose and Ellie. Cowboys are a weakness and then add in Christmas time and I’m a goner. The way a little mystery was inserted was fun too. Kept me on edge.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful second chance romance will steal your heart right at the first page and make you cry at the last pages. This story is filled with misunderstandings, beautiful moments, friends, family. I highly recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danielle Muy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never really had a good second chance romance and this one is so heartfelt, add in a hot cowboy and your heart will swoon all over the place. this story is emotional in the best way. The character development and the way they come back together is so good, you get the pain, the truth and the mending.

[L KQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreak and Reunion

The love between Rose and Boone was supposed ro be forever but her leaving left them heartbroken. This story was emotional and intense. The added mystery of sabotage was a nice blend. It was a delightful read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me captivated from the first page and I found it nearly impossible to put it down. It's beautiful, heartfelt and emotional. The epilogue had me tearing up and the bonus epilogue is just too cute. Summer James made my day with this one. I can't wait to read more. Highly recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jordan Tafoya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of drama with a little suspense. High school sweethearts FMC leaves to go to college MMC stays behind to work the family ranch. She returns 5 years later with a secret. This what a fun little read.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect small town holiday romance book from start to finish. Everything about this book is perfect. Loved the storyline, romance and characters and I think this is one entertaining book right here by Summer.

[Amy Hutchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about 2nd chance that will make you have all the feels. A sweet holiday story that you just can't put down.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Almeida · Rating 5 out of 5]

The unexpected return of the woman you can’t forget returns for Christmas and with her is a surprise you were not expecting. A page turner with a great ending.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Breanna Navarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! This was a different book than what I usually read from Summer James however she did not disappoint!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Makayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tension, the yearning. Everything about this book is so good

[Tori Pline · Rating 2 out of 5]

I so badly wanted to love this book but it’s dragging on with fillers. DNF at 68%, the story could have been told already without all the extras.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A ambos les falta madurar.

[Jennifer Lowry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one.....the spice was really repetitive and the suspense part was really rushed and kind of made it feel disjointed. idk I didn't think that part was necessary.