A fast read with heart, Vicki Lewis Thompson’s “Cowboy Under the Mistletoe” doesn’t disappoint. This page-turner gets ya going tells of a somewhat world weary former foster kid turned business professional and the cute barista who's had a crush on him for more than a year.
Ty Slater is like a perfect cup of coffee. He’s strong and stands alone, no embellishments, just like a great cuppa joe. Or he was until Rangeland Roasters’ Sheridan manager Whitney entices him to try one of her peppermint pleasure lattes, caffeine topped with whipped cream with candy cane chips sprinkled on top to give it crunch.
Whitney’s hasn’t had the best of luck with men, and she’s truly on her own for the first time — living somewhere other than Cheyenne, where her extended family reside. But that hasn’t stopped her from admiring Ty, with whom she remained light and friendly while working in Cheyenne. He did have a girlfriend after all!
But,when the calendar poster boy himself shows up in Sheridan, where she’s running the newly opened coffee shop branch, sans said companion, more flirty than ever, she figures why not go for the hotty who’s starred in some of her fantasies.
They find it easy to talk to one another, and the chemistry that sparks between them is scorching. This story starts just before Thanksgiving and continue.
Figuring why not, he’s returned to his hometown for Thanksgiving weekend and she can squeeze some time in for him around her quirky work schedule.
However, their plan for a night of frolicking fun is interrupted when Whitney’s parents show up unexpectedly to console their daughter, who’s sounded so forlorn spending Thanksgiving away from family for the very first time. But, creative and determined adults that they are, Ty and Whitney still manager to steam things up, if only temporarily.
Of course, she has to send him back to the ranch, and they won’t be able to see much of each other the next day because of course she’s working. Where there’s frustrated man... there’s a few hours of play.
They pledge to keep the fires and roads between Cheyenne and Sheridan blazing. Thinking they might want to cool down just a bit before they go all super nova and burn out, they decide to wait a week. Then there’s a blizzard — total white out, forcing many road closures as well as most businesses, and accidents. So, they decided to play it by ear and Ty will only drive in if the weather lets up. Turns out not even a blizzard can keep him from her. He arrives, passes out, exhausted from a harrowing 12 hours on the road. A quick snack and he’s up for whatever she can handle.
But, reality and emotions intrude and decisions have to be made, logistics and their realities being what they are.
This story is sweet, fun, sexy, heat-warming and not without its challenges. I laughed at their antics. Held my breath at the turmoil and cheered when they figured out ways to be together despite the challenges thrown their way.
Have been a VLT fan for years and she’s never let me down, and this book was no exception.