Cowboy Unwrapped

Thunder Mountain Brotherhood #8

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

This cowboy can handle the heat…

For cowboy and firefighter Jake Ramsay, Christmas at Thunder Mountain Ranch is all about family, food and celebration. Okay, and maybe a chance to run into his high school sweetheart, singer Amethyst Ferguson. Six months ago, they had a scorching-hot, wild reunion…and this cowboy can't wait for another chance to play with fire.

Now their sexual attraction is an insatiable, five-alarm blaze that's only grown more addictive. But Amethyst has career dreams that don't include Jackson Hole, Wyoming, or a "relationship." Whatever this is between them, however real it feels, it can never become anything more. Once Christmas is over, Amethyst must walk away…even if they both get burned.

Genres: Romance, Harlequin, Westerns, Christmas, Second Chance, Contemporary, Audiobook

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 22, 2016

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

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboy Unwrapped is the latest Thunder Mountain Brotherhood romance from Vicki Lewis Thompson. They center around men who as children or young teenagers were taken in as foster children at Thunder Mountain Ranch by Herb and Rosie, experiencing finally the love and togetherness and friendship they never got from their own families. Each of the young men has grown up to be an upright, honest gentleman following different career paths but never losing sight of the gift they were given in the years they spent at the ranch. This story is about Jake, who went on to become a firefighter in Jackson Hole. Though he'd moved away and has been enjoying a successful career, he is happy to be coming home to the ranch for Christmas, with a chance to see some of his other foster brothers. Even better, it's going to give him (hopefully) the opportunity to see his old high school sweetheart Amethyst. Though they'd broken up in high school, a foolish decision he'd made that he'd since regretted, earlier in the summer they had reconnected for a passionate night together when Amethyst, a budding singer, had performed in Jackson Hole. She still lives in Sheridan and though they'll both be busy with their families they might get a chance to spend some time together. As luck would have it, the first person he meets on a trip into town to pick up some last minute Christmas gifts is Amethyst. She's just as happy to see him as he is to see her. It's easy to pick up their sexy affair where they left off, as neither had gotten involved with someone else since they'd last seen each other. But Amethyst is making plans to further her career, and could be moving away very soon. A no strings attached holiday fling might sound good, but will they end up with broken hearts again?

How do you measure success? That's the theme running through this story as Jackson and Amethyst reconnect. Amethyst is happy with her life, but has the nagging feeling (brought on by other's comments) that she should be doing something more with her singing career. She's set up a soundproof recording studio in a spare bedroom of her apartment where she gives music lessons to children in between recording her music. She travels around locally giving concerts and making enough money to live on. Her friends and family all live close by and she's content with her small town life. But if she really wants to make it big, she should be going to New York or L.A. or somewhere where her music can really take off. But will moving away from the life she's known make her any happier?

Jake is very happy to be home for Christmas, to see his foster family, and relive some of his better childhood memories of Christmas past. Seeing Amethyst again is an extra present. He sets up a fun sleigh ride date for them (and I believe it's the first time I've read about sleigh ride sex!) and they go on to find moments where they can be together. They share some steamy love scenes that are clearly more than just sex for both of them. Jake comes across as a protective and confident man, clearly fitting his firefighter career well. Being back at the ranch makes him a little homesick, and he decides that he's going to see about getting a job with the Sheridan fire department so that he can stay home permanently. It's a decision he makes regardless of what Amethyst plans to do in the New Year, though some part of him hopes it might persuade her to change her mind about moving away. I liked that even though he didn't think Amethyst was necessarily making the right move to pursue her career elsewhere, he was trying to be supportive of her choice.

The story, taking place over the Christmas holidays gets an extra sparkle from the family gatherings of both Jake and Amethyst. There are several lovely scenes showcasing the closeness and love they experience with their families, and some lighthearted humorous moments as well. In the end Jake and Amethyst both make decisions that lead to their happy ending and it all wraps together nicely. I look forward to reading the next story in the series, which will be switching over to the Harlequin Special Edition line. If you are looking for a sweet and sexy Christmas themed story with a second chance romance, I highly recommend this one.

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.

This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-cow...

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sexy cowboy story - They are mostly a lot of the sameness to them regarding the sex scenes, although they are written so well by the author - and I love the actual base of the story, which are so varied.
No M/M or F/F - or even M/M/F. 🤷‍♀️ Still love these cowboy stories. 5☆

[Claire Louise¤°.¸¸.•´¯`» · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 jingly festive stars!!

I have very particular (fussy) wants when it comes to a Christmas based book. It needs a lot of festive detail within the story throughout the book, it's not enough just to base the story in December (bah humbug!)
Cowboy Unwrapped literally begins with Christmas fairy lights! And then has a gorgeous sleigh ride. Festive parties and a lot of romance/scorching sexy time (under the freaking Christmas tree! )

FESTIVE JACKPOT! I think it just moved up to first place of the best Christmas book I've read this season. So sweet and just lovely. I haven't read this series before, so I worried I wouldn't get into it and there'd be too much mention of characters I didn't know, but it was written so well. Definitely one I will revisit next Christmas.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is Christmas and Jake Ramsey has come home to Thunder Mountain Ranch. For Jake home is where the heart is and he realizes that his heart is here where he grew up. Meeting up with his old high school flame, Amethyst Ferguson, turns out to be the start of a hot relationship. He would like more but Amethyst is determined to go off the LA to pursue her singing career. This is another heartwarming story. There is more than just romance involved. Part is following your heart and deciding what makes you feel successful and brings you joy in your life. Since it is Christmas some of the previous men of Thunder Mountain play an important part in the story.

[Kat]

No. What a shit conclusion. Why does the girl never have legit dreams. Her entire character was destroyed just so they could stay together. The whole ‘it being someone’s else’s dream’ in the end, is such a terrible plot line, in my opinion. Why does she have to give everything up for a man when her entire character wanted the opposite the entire time? What a cop out excuse for an ending.
Also it was just flat out boring. Others might really enjoy it, but it was not for me personally

[Ana Ramirez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hot and sexy but nothing new. Plot wise it was just okay.

[Read With Chey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was almost exactly like Her Halloween Treat but I didn’t like it quite as much

[Jonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thompson has written this novel with an intensity rarely seen in this genre. Chemistry abounds as characters come to life in unforgettable ways. Difficult decisions vie with deepest desires for a tale that both charmed me and kept me on my toes.

From start to finish, this is my favourite Thunder Mountain novel yet. It can easily be read on its own or as part of this fantastic series.

[Geraldine Sadiku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb, hot sexy read. Loved it

[Karen Machamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Jake and Amethyst's story. Yet another great book in Vicki's Thunder Mountain Brotherhood series. Can't wait to see who's story is next.

[Cynthia Hamill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in audio format and chose it because of its Christmas theme, along with the intriguing through-line of the series (foster brothers raised together on a ranch who have now grown up and gone their separate ways, all finding love).
At first I was a bit bored; it seemed to take a while for the spotlight to land squarely on our MC, Jake, and his love interest Amethyst. As the story went on, though, I appreciated the exposition about the ranch and the brothers and their love interests. It fleshed out the setting, as well as gave the story some stakes. Loved the sleigh ride shenanigans and the neighborhood caroling, and how the friends-with-benefits relationship grew. Especially liked the communication between the couple (along with their very verbal trysts)! A satisfying holiday read.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake has come back to Thunder Mountain for Christmas..when he sees his brothers using lights they shouldn't he goes to get ones to work outside..He is a fireman and is for safety..While in town he runs into Amethyst...He has loved her always..They dated in HS and than hooked up a few months earlier..they are combustible like the fires Jake puts out..But when Amethyst decides to leave Jake is devasted..what turned into a good Christmas changed fast and went down hill..But Amethyst comes to a conclusion that she does not have to do what her professor wanted...He wanted for himself and was pushing it on her as a student..when she makes up her mind she comes to find Jake where he is at work and has been out fighting a fire...A really good love story in this series

[Flo Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake and Amethyst had broken up at the end of high school. Meeting up again after some years the spark was still with them. Amethyst was still hankering to be a super star singer, while Jake had achieved his dream of being a fire fighter. Amethyst finally realised she had everything she wanted in Sheridan and so she and Jake found their happily ever after.

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

This was a very intriguing, funny and hot story all mixed together. I always love this author's work and she did not disappoint with this one. I look forward to getting more from her. It is a very well written story and I would recommend it.

[Holley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the humor and the safety lessons from the fireman hero. The heroine was a little too wishy washy and had a sudden revelation at the end that wasn't very believable. But I liked the hero enough to like the book

[Mary Shreffler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake is one of the thunder mountain foster boys and working as a fireman. He went to school and has always been in love with Amethyst. Amethyst is an excellent singer and wants to go to LA but enjoys her life as it is. So is life with Jake all she wants

[HK · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF audiobook tried about an hour out of 10 hours. Too boring

[Wendy Leonard-Richardson]

Not a fan, all sex, barely any story. Just not for me.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75 stars. A swoon-worthy hero perfect for the holidays.

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Mattie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't like it. Np.

[Helena Champion · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easy fun read but I thought the FMC was extremely annoying and it was quite unrealistic.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Donna Repsher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt lucky enough to be reading this latest entry in the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood series on Christmas Eve, but I have to admit that although it was hot and sexy in spades, as far as the plot goes, I can only give it 3 stars.

As the novel opens we meet Jake Ramsey, one of the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood, as he's returning to the ranch to enjoy the Christmas festivities with his foster parents and foster brothers and their significant others. He's gorgeous, strong, and works as a firefighter in Jackson Hole, and it's been a while since he's had the time to return to Sheridan. When he pulls his truck in, he notices that his foster brothers, Cade and Finn, are working on the outside Christmas lighting, using indoor lights, and indoor extension cords, many of which they tried to salvage with electrical tape. Since he's done no Christmas shopping, he runs back to town to buy the proper lighting and cords as well as smoke alarms, as gifts for all his family members.

While at the hardware store in town, who should tap him on the shoulder but Amethyst Ferguson, a beautiful and talented gal he dated in high school. She's now pursuing a singing career and after attending one of her concerts the previous August, they'd spent that night having a wild sexual escapade in her hotel room. Jake isn't looking for a long-term relationship, but his night with Amethyst was the most memorable of his life. Amethyst wants to hit it big as a pop singer and she's not looking for anything long term either. However, the spark is still there and the two agree that while it will be sex only, they'll try to fit a rendezvous or two in between their respective families' holiday festivities.

It was at this point in the novel that I started to have a problem, and the problem was that while the sex scenes were incendiary, the book seemed to center on sex rather than on plot. While I very much enjoyed seeing the Thunder Mountain family again, meet Amethyst's family, and catch up on their lives, careers and relationships, neither Jake nor Amethyst seemed able to stop spending every waking moment planning their next sexual encounter. Additionally, Amethyst suddenly decides that when the holidays are over she plans to move to Los Angeles to pursue her career and get a recording contract, while Jake wants to move back to Sheridan and joining the local fire company, but Amethyst's waffling back and forth and her insistence that she has yet to fulfill her full potential (something her vocal coach drilled into her head), and the flip-flopping back and forth became irritating to this reader, especially since their relationship seemed based on little more than hot sex.

All in all, this was my least favorite novel in this series and I found that the backstory was more interesting and heartwarming than the relationship between the two main characters.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Cowboy Unwrapped - Thunder Mountain Brotherhood 8
Author: Vicki Lewis Thompson
Published: 11-22-2016
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 224
Genre: Romance
Sub Genre: Western Romance; Blaze Series; Holidays
ISBN: 13: 9780373799237
ASIN: B01DSPXLG8
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.75 Stars



I received a copy of "Cowboy Unwrapped" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.


Description From the Publisher:

This cowboy can handle the heat…


For cowboy and firefighter Jake Ramsay, Christmas at Thunder Mountain Ranch is all about family, food and celebration. Okay, and maybe a chance to run into his high school sweetheart, singer Amethyst Ferguson. Six months ago, they had a scorching-hot, wild reunion…and this cowboy can't wait for another chance to play with fire.


Now their sexual attraction is an insatiable, five-alarm blaze that's only grown more addictive. But Amethyst has career dreams that don't include Jackson Hole, Wyoming, or a "relationship." Whatever this is between them, however real it feels, it can never become anything more. Once Christmas is over, Amethyst must walk away…even if they both get burned.


My Review of "Cowboy Unwrapped":

There is something about a cowboy that automatically says honorable, strong, dependable. Who doesn't love a cowboy. "Cowboy Unwrapped" has characters that you can't help but like. They are strong, bold individuals that light up the page and draw you in and make you feel you are part of the story. Add in a plot that is as intriguing as it is romantic and you have a winning combination. My rating is 4.75 out of 5 stars.



Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DSPXLG8/...


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[Books and Spoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely Christmas time at the Thunder Mountain Ranch. I have enjoyed every book in the series, they are full of a family of heart, cheer and jubilee of life, steamy romance, and enticing, charming characters. And Cowboy Unwrapped doesn't disappoint either.
The connection between Amethyst and Jake is scalding hot, the innocent high school attraction has turned into a fervor of desire and they are more than willing to act on it. But when it comes to making their relationship into more than that, that's where they have a difference of an opinion.
The story is a well-balanced mix of Amethyst and Jake getting it on and getting to know each other better,
family Christmas activities, visiting on the ranch and getting to know Amethyst's family better. I love how everyone is connected to the Thunder Mountain ranch one way or the other.
The future is on the display, how, when, and where will Amethyst go about her music career and will Jake, a relationship and a possible family have room in her future dreams and plans.
Ardent and earnest fling turns into a thing, the feelings grow deeper yet do the emotions have a say when pondering about the future goals and dreams? Is this just a sexy fling heating up the snowy holidays, or do they have something worth building upon, worth making a plan for a more permanent solution with deep grown affection?
Entertaining, alluring, intriguing, imaginative story of Amethyst and Jake heating up the Christmas holiday while making some serious future decisions
~ Four Spoons

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboy Unwrapped by Vicki Lewis Thompson
A blazing romance with that feel good emotion of a happy ending and beginning of a happy couple. This is part of a brotherhood series and stands alone. I love the recurring roles such as the devoted mother of all the family and family homestead itself.
Jake Ramsay is a dedicated firefighter. It is amusing when he checks all houses for frayed wires and electric outlets. His Christmas presents to all his family of a smoke alarm is classic. And swoon worthy.
Put this brotherhood series on your list to read.

Excerpt:
"I want to see the lights make a rainbow on your naked body like they did last night." He put down the cookies, shrugged out of his coat and threw it on the sofa. "But your floor is hard. We're bringing bedding down here this time." He helped her out of her coat, grabbing her hand and started toward the stairs.
She had to hustle to keep up with him. She was gasping by the time they reached the landing. "Hang on a minute. I don't go for five-mile runs like some people."
"Oh, sorry. I was thinking with my dick."
"Just let me catch my breath."
Glancing back at her, he gave a short nod. "Right. I should've done this in the first place." In one smooth motion he hoisted her over his shoulder and carried her the rest of the way with her a$s in the air.
"Jake!"
"What?" He set her back on her feet and smiled. He wasn't even breathing hard. "Everyone should experience the fireman's carry at least once in their lives, so there you go."
Excerpt from Cowboy Unwrapped by Vicki Lewis Thompson

[Princess Thuy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love holiday romances and this story had all the elements of a feel good Christmas story with a huge dose of blazing hotness that will keep you very warm and toasty while you read. Hot fireman/cowboy and an aspiring pop singer thinking all they need is a no strings affair learn that love is so much more satisfying. Amethyst and Jake were so cute and hot together. What started out as a no commitment affair became so much more and I loved reading how their relationship developed. I haven't read the other books in this Thunder Mountain Brotherhood series but that didn't stop me from enjoying this book fully. I intend to go back and catch up, of course, but this story was very enjoyable as a stand alone


* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review *

[Viviana Izzo · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise was promising. The characters were likable and the backstory of the THUNDER MOUNTAIN Brotherhood is interesting that you may want to go back to read each of their story. Unfortunately, there was a lot of "filler" scenes in the way of sex scenes. Don't get me wrong, I'm totally fine with sex scenes. However, when they are created to fill in the story vs. adding to the plot, that's when I'm not a fan.

This story is part of the "Blaze" line of Harlequin which is meant to be more steamy/sexy. I was surprised how steamy/sexy the stories have been considering its Harlequin.

If you like shorter stories about a small town cowboy who returns home for the holidays and a second chance romance with lots of steamy/sex scenes then this will be for you.

[Nancy Ku · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Thunder Mountain cowboys!

Jake and Amethyst star crossed lovers from high school have found each other again ...will it stick this time? Vicki tells a great story...that you never want to end. I'm looking forward to the next one. This is a great series..each with it's own HEA ...but always leaves you wanting more.