Christmas Lights and Cowboy Nights

Marshall Ranch #3

by Shelli Stevens

Rosa Mercado is looking for something more serious with her love life, which is why she hits the brakes on the sexy cowboy who walks into her dad’s restaurant and hits on her. Calvin Marshall had Rosa lined up in his sights to be his next conquest. Until she makes it clear she’s looking for Mr. Right, not Mr. Right Now. Commitment isn’t exactly his favorite word. But when they’re forced to stay at Misty Meadows Ranch together over Christmas, it becomes clear that there’s more at stake than just one of them inheriting the ranch by New Year’s Eve. The magic of the season will blur the line between love and hate, and challenge everything they both thought they wanted.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Contemporary, Holiday, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Westerns

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2018

About the author

Shelli is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author who read her first romance novel when she snatched it off her mother’s bookshelf at the age of eleven. She is a true pluviophile (lover of rain) who currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two daughters. She loves Disney, taking sunset pics (follow her on Instagram), baking, nature walking, and spontaneously bursting into song. She’s written various genres of romance, but is most known for her contemporary series such as The McLaughlins, The Bro Code, Marshall Ranch, and A is for Alpha.

Reviews

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Past Presents Futures Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
It takes a cranky ole rancher to bring two people together who have much more in common then they had any idea.

Picture a ranch foreman, strong, rugged, and very easy on the eyes. He has a reputation for being a player, yet it actually may not be.
Then add in a beautiful woman; she has talent as a chef...eyes which captivate, is feisty and has plans to be more then what others think of her, too.

She has no desire for a player...
He has no desire for a committed relationship...

But both are put together for the next few weeks before Christmas due to that cranky rancher. He dangles the ownership of his ranch. Which one will he give it to...Both are wanting this land. Both feel they will be able to make it theirs...But maybe Mr. Cranky has something else in mind...Something he wants for both of them.

This is a very well done Christmas tale. The manipulation of putting these two together works perfectly.

A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Lights and Cowboy Nights is the third book in the Marshall Ranch series but easily holds its own as a standalone. Calvin and Rosa are intriguing characters and I really enjoyed their story. Cal has a reputation as a playboy never looking for a commitment while Rosa is tough as nails and hardworking while looking for Mr. Right. Sure this is an intense attraction between them but they want different things and would never work. Add to that the complication of family secrets that are revealed and they are doomed before they begin. Even with all that some things are just meant to be!
I definitely recommend this one.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly enjoyable festive cowboy romance. When Calvin Marshall first meets Rosa Mercado she’s working as a waitress in her father’s restaurant and he’s just been attacked and embarrassed by one of his many ex-girlfriends. Despite this, the two are attracted to each other but he’s a player and she’s looking for a more long term relationship. Hank is the owner of the ranch which Calvin runs for him and Hank has a few surprises in store for both Calvin and Rosa - one of which forces them both to spend time over the festive season on the ranch. As the two are pitted against each other by Hank, this is time when the seasonal cheer will impact on what they thought they wanted and help them dream of what could be . . .

Hank is such a cranky and manipulative old man - what a great character! This relatively short story is a delightful read with great characters and an intriguing plot with plenty of surprises, heartwarming and just right to get you into the festive mood whatever the season! It is the third book in the series but it works well as a standalone though it may tempt you (as well as me) to read the other books in the series, too.

I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

A perfectly decent book. It was sweet and simple. It never felt like there were any real stakes and everyone knew how this story was going to go from the description alone. I’m not saying this as a bad thing, it’s what makes it the perfect sort of hallmark Christmas read. I enjoyed myself.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Lights and Cowboy Nights by Shelli Stevens
Rosa Mercado is looking for something more serious with her love life, which is why she hits the brakes on the sexy cowboy who walks into her dad’s restaurant and hits on her.
Calvin Marshall had Rosa lined up in his sights to be his next conquest. Until she makes it clear she’s looking for Mr. Right, not Mr. Right Now. Commitment isn’t exactly his favorite word.
But when they’re forced to stay at Misty Meadows Ranch together over Christmas, it becomes clear that there’s more at stake than just one of them inheriting the ranch by New Year’s Eve. The magic of the season will blur the line between love and hate, and challenge everything they both thought they wanted.
This is Rosa Mercado and Calvin Marshall's story.
Rosa shrugged and reached past Lynda—the other waitress—for a plate. “Thanksgiving is in two days—that’s basically the go-ahead for all things Christmas. And the colored lights outside are so pretty. It really brings in more business.”
Not that the restaurant needed it. Rosita’s did pretty well any time of the year and had since they’d opened.
Rosa shrugged and reached past Lynda—the other waitress—for a plate. “Thanksgiving is in two days—that’s basically the go-ahead for all things Christmas. And the colored lights outside are so pretty. It really brings in more business.”
Holding back a sigh of frustration, Cal Marshall flexed his jaw and stared at the plastic bottle Hank had just knocked off the side table. The container rolled across the hardwood floor of the ranch house, mimicking the sound of a maraca as the pills bounced around inside.
Adjusting his Stetson on his head, Cal gave a casual shrug. “No shame in taking a couple Tylenol, Hank. Figured it’d help with the pain.”
Hank’s scowl deepened and he raised his iced tea to his lips, hand trembling. “Whiskey helps. That’s about it.”
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
I highly recommend reading.
Christmas Lights and Cowboy Nights by Shelli Stevens is a wonderful well written 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Shelli Stevens.
Shelli's Books with Tule:
Protect Me, Cowboy
Marshall Ranch
The 78th Copper Mountain Rodeo
Falling for the Hometown Girl
Marshall Ranch
One More Round
The McLaughlins
Straight, No Chaser
The McLaughlins
Top Shelf
The McLaughlins
Last Call
The McLaughlins
Christmas Lights and Cowboy Nights
Marshall Ranch

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun story that at times has some serious to it and plenty of fun. The book opens with the two main characters, Rosa Mercado and Calvin Marshall meeting at her father’s restaurant. The meeting takes place because Calvin has been putting off seeing the last women he was with and now they are in the same place, but not together. The women makes sure to get her point across that she did not like to be ignored. After that Rosa and Calvin banter back and forth but she makes it perfectly clear she was just his waitress. Now mind you they both think that the other one is very attractive and would like to at least go out with the other one but she is looking for someone who is at least thinking about maybe settling down it does not have to be her, but that the thought of that is important to her. Especially now her being 28. Calvin tracks her down to her full time job as an insurance agent and makes an appointment with her and finds he cannot get life insurance, it is explained in the story. They go out for lunch and again she explains about waiting something more. It is not until later when she goes out to the ranch he works on as a foreman that they both would like to kiss but again this time they are interrupted by Hank the older owner of the ranch. It is also again when she tells him that she is not looking for a ring just the idea of or the hope of settling down and he says he is not the guy for her and that she should keep looking. Weeks go by and they are both invited back to the ranch for dinner and the invitation is strange. Thinking that it would be a Christmas party it turns out just to be the three of them. Things are reveled to her by Hank about the past that upsets her, and for the future they are both to stay on the ranch for ten days leading up to Christmas and then he would decide who he would give the ranch to, if someone did not spend the night then they would loss and the ranch would go to the other one. This is really were the story takes a very good turn and the characters all become to get to each other and what was a good story turns into a wonderful story all around with all of the characters. Hank, her father, Rosa, and Calvin, and if you read the other books there is an update from one of those as well. A very good story with good characters, and worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Bonnie Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cal and Rosa have chemistry right from their first meeting and it smolders right along every time they see each other.
I loved all the food, the great family meals and Cals making jerky but most of all when Rosa took him to her Dads to make homemade tamales, oh that minute when he took a bite of a tamale from the first batch cooked,so true to life, there is nothing like it, no wonder he falls for Rosa.
Great story with characters and scenes so real you can even feel the cold of that bad snow storm.This author is becoming a favorite, I’ll read anything of hers I can get my hands on.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this Christmas book, it is third in the series but can be read as a stand alone. Rosa is looking for Mr. Forever where Cal is a player and thinking Rosa will be his next conquest. There is no denying their chemistry. Now to throw a wrench in, they have to live together at the ranch through the Christmas that they both want, but for different purposes. Do you smell a little matchmaking here?

Loved these characters. Rosa is a very strong person, knowing what she wants in her life. Cal's life is live the moment and working on the ranch that he loves. Loved the Christmas magic throughout the story. The perfect read for this holiday season.

[Porch Swing Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Lights and Cowboy Nights combines two of my favorite things, cowboys and Christmas, into a sweet and steamy holiday romance. Rosa is a strong, independent heroine who isn't afraid to go after what she wants. Cal is a sexy cowboy trying to find his place in the world.

This was a fairly quick read that I flew through in a few hours late ate night...well technically early in the morning since I was up until 3 am finishing Cal and Rosa's whirlwind romance. Even though Christmas Lights and Cowboy Nights is the third book in a series that I've never read, I had no problem diving in and following along in this enchanting, lighthearted story. 

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

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding and heartfelt book by Shelli Stevens...This book touched on family reuniting, new love and keeping the faith that it all comes together. The story of Rosa whose Mother passed away 10 years previous and Cal whose Mother walked away - come together under odd circumstances for the Christmas Season. This book was such a joy to read. I know that anyone who likes Cowboys and feel good will enjoy this book.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Here we have two stubborn opposites attract scenarios. We have Rosa who is looking for her Mr. Right not someone who is looking for just a quickie and that is what we have with Calvin, who is a playboy and is so not the type to commit. Attraction is there and hard to resist and while they are manipulated to spend time together they eventually give in to what they no longer can fight. My favorite character was Hank.

[Karen Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was disappointed to realise Christmas Lights and Cowboy Nights by Shelli Stevens is the third in the series, and I haven't read the first two! That said, the story held its own and had fabulous characters, easy to follow dialogue and an interesting plot. There were a few unexpected surprises during in this book, which enhanced the overall enjoyment of the story. While Christmas Lights and Cowboy Nights is only a short story, easily read in an afternoon, the chemistry between the characters was believable and heart-warming too. I look forward to reading more books by Shelli Stevens.

[Denise Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steamy Christmas read for a cold holiday night.

Calvin and Rosa are unexpectedly vying for the same Christmas ranch. Calvin needs to prove himself capable of running a ranch so his family will see him in a new light. Rosa wants to sell the ranch to fund a business venture. They must stay the whole holiday season to win the ranch.

As they stay at the ranch, their attraction leads to a no-strings relationship till their hearts become involved. Secrets are revealed and some of the truths are shocking. One walks away to give the ranch to the other, but both are deserving.

Will the magic of the season and love in their hearts bring them together for the love of a lifetime before it's too late?

[Lesley Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosa this is the first time that i see and read a character that is latina and manages to avoid having feelings for Cal a playboy cowboy. it took me awhile to get to the story but once i got a hang on it then it got interesting for me

[Kirstie Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I haven't read the others in the series and this read perfectly fine as a standalone.

Great storyline line in a good country setting, a bit of love and romance, and good strong characters.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Christmas Lights and Cowboy Nights finally brings us Cal’s story, one that I’ve been waiting for.  I’ve always had a soft spot for this seemingly carefree cowboy, a man who sold his portion of the ranch to his brother and went on to become the foreman on a nearby ranch.  We got a taste of Cal, but now we get the full force of his personality, and why he made the choices that he did.  Some may surprise you.

Rosa and Cal have a… very interesting first meeting, and first impression of each other.  It doesn’t take long before Cal is on the prowl, but Rosa isn’t looking for what he’s offering.  The attraction is there from the start, but each wants something far different from the other.  Leave it to one cranky old man with a chip on his shoulder to make life interesting for these two.  Along the way they may strangle each other… or they might just find that they were what the other needed all along.

There are twists, turns and surprises throughout Christmas Lights and Cowboy Nights, so I’m not going to say much more about the actual story.  I love the Marshall family, and it was fun to catch up with them all, and learn some exciting news.  Rosa and Cal make assumptions, try their best to stay apart but the chemistry between them is off the charts.  Watching them work through the landmine of falling in love was charming, certainly sexy and a complete bit of fun along the way.  Their story is funny, sexy, frustrating and with just that right touch of mystery as to what Hank is really up to.  I had fun with this story and would not hesitate to recommend it to any Romance reader who enjoys a fun plot, believable characters and a touch of Christmas magic.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a good time reading this book. Cal, the playboy, falls for Rosa, the daughter of the restaurant owner. There were a few curveballs in this book, and that was the fun part. Their chemistry was great, but the book went too fast! I guess I was hoping for more!

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Lights and Cowboy Nights by Shelli Stevens is the third in the series, but you can easily read it as a stand alone. I did and I loved it! But now I am going to go back and read the first two. The author has a nice flow to her writing, it never felt dragged out or too fast paced. The dialogue was easy to understand and follow and I truly enjoyed the plot. There were a few unexpected surprises,, which enhanced the story for me.
The chemistry between the characters was a perfect mix of sexy and heart-warming.

I was provided an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Donnajo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book for a honest opinion

Christmas Lights and Cowboy Nights by Shelli Stevens. This book took me longer to get into but once I did I really enjoyed it. Great characters, dialogue and Plot. I look forward to reading more by Shelli Stevens.

[Sandi Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a shining example of so many homes during the holiday season and a a wonder romance

I love Christmas books and throw in my favorite fictional town of Marietta, Montana and yes we have a winner. This is the Third book in the Marshall Ranch series and Cal does a dual live in the Marshall Ranch anymore since he sold his part. He works as a foreman on Hank's Ranch and thank heaven he is a hot cowboy that goes into Marietta's only Mexican Restaurant for good food. There he meets Ross and it all starts.
I love seeing my girls represented in my favorite fictional community and represented so well. Author Shelli Stevens took a small slice of our holiday traditions showcased in this book. The storyline is so well written, while at the same time on point with current events of today. Cal and Ross and all the secondary characters all play their parts so perfectly to bring this Christmas book to light.

[Jacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5☆
Enjoyed it

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Marshall Ranch
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue

I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.

[Janette Mcmahon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A must read for readers who have enjoyed Stevens other Marshall family books. A wonderful Christmas romance that will make the reader want the snow to fall, the tea to brew, and curl under a warm quilt.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelli Stevens’ Christmas Lights and Cowboy Nights is a story of challenging goals between two strong willed people. It is a fun read with the holiday atmosphere adding to the attraction that continues to pull the couple together.

Rosa has made decisions about her life that one must admire. Calvin comes across on first impression as just another good time Joe. As the story progresses there is more to him than first meets the eye. His growth as a character makes it a meaningful read, though Rosa does some soul searching too.

It has great setting, clear plot and snazzy dialogue. It would be great to see more of these two in future books.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute Christmas romance. I had not read the previous two books in the series but this worked perfectly as a standalone. There is undeniable chemistry between Cal and Rosa from the beginning and it was fun seeing how their unexpected matchmaker helped bring them together. I like how Shelli Stevens writes family interactions and family relationships and this one did not disappoint.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Paula Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrown together and vying for a ranch, Cal Marshall and Rosa Mercado find themselves falling in love while battling for their futures in this wonderful novel of romance and reconciliation. Cal has deeply hidden emotions that he rarely, if ever shares. He is smitten with Rosa but his reputation precedes him. Rosa struggles at a job with a racist boss but has no other recourse if she wants to pay her bills. Given the opportunity to own a ranch held by cantankerous Hank, Cal and Rosa love, fight and struggle to find the best solution.

[Louise Bird · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Cal and Rosa’s story. It turns out that Hank (owner of Misty Meadows Ranch) Cal’s boss is Rosa’s Uncle. Hank sets up a “Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present supper”, he has an ultimatum for Cal and Rosa! Is he playing matchmaker, read on and find out!

[Erika Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first for me by this author.

I enjoyed it... it was a quick read for me but not disappointed at all... I didn't realise it was number 3 in a series so I'll be looking for the first two to catch-up on.

Rosa Mercado is looking for something more serious with her love life, which is why she hits the brakes on the sexy cowboy who walks into her dad’s restaurant and hits on her.
Calvin Marshall had Rosa lined up in his sights to be his next conquest. Until she makes it clear she’s looking for Mr. Right, not Mr. Right Now. Commitment isn’t exactly his favorite word.
But when they’re forced to stay at Misty Meadows Ranch together over Christmas, it becomes clear that there’s more at stake than just one of them inheriting the ranch by New Year’s Eve. The magic of the season will blur the line between love and hate, and challenge everything they both thought they wanted.

The chemistry between the character's was great and even with a few twists and turns it was a good Christmas read... I look forward to more from this author.

Thank-You Netgalley for my ARC.

[Clarie Giselle Speights · Rating 1 out of 5]

Predictable and presumptuous

I say predictable because they fell in love within two to three weeks of knowing each other. It was silly really she’s supposed to be tough and not fail in love with the cowboy player but she does so despite claiming she wouldn’t. One moment she saying I’m close to falling then the next she is flipping a switch to not be clinging. Pretty much compared it to a good buffet versus a bad buffet and getting hepatitis. Then Calvin the untouchable Casanova falls harder than a ton of bricks. Which makes no sense because it was so sudden. And the chemistry that this author tried to put together for readers to feel did not do it for me. Quite frankly it felt forced. Then I felt like this authors Spanish lessons were a bit hindered somehow. That’s why I said presumptuous because not once in the 31 years that I have been Hispanic do I start a sentence in Spanish with someone who doesn’t speak the language nor have my parents. Like every other page Rosa would start a sentence with Spanish to English only speakers, it’s considered rude unless their learning a lesson or it’s a joke. I could go on on about the Spanish but I digress since you get the point. Then what finally ruined this story for me was when Rosa tasted chicken she thought “ Holy fried chicken Batman”, “Needed this like whoa”and “ is it because I bought you a Christmas tree”. In other words dialogue and thoughts were utterly ridiculous and juvenile. This is the second story I’ve read by this author and it will for sure be my last. I’m sorry but I try to be a repeat offender if author is just not doing it for me.

[Shelagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely story this has been! With hints of Scrooge, in the form of Hank the cranky ranch owner, Christmas Lights and Cowboy Nights is about healing, family and friendship, which is just perfect for Christmas reading.
Ranch foreman Cal is drop dead gorgeous and has a reputation as a ladies’ man. He’s up front about not wanting a relationship though from the first time he sees Rosa he wants her.
Rosa has had her share of one night stands and has decided it’s time to put the bad boys out of her life and find a nice steady man to settle down with. She’s attracted to Cal but adamant that she wants more.
When Hank informs the two of them that he’s going to leave the ranch to one of them providing they spend the next few weeks sleeping at the ranch and share Christmas with him the fun begins.
I loved watching these two grow together, fighting and then giving in to their attraction. The story moves beautifully and is feel good from start to finish. It’s book three in the Marshall Ranch series but while the other two books are also great reads you really don’t need to have read them to enjoy this one.

[Cherryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Family secrets are healing

There was a decades-long family dispute between Hank, the owner of Misty Meadows Ranch and his former foreman Carlos Mercado, Rosa's father. Their friendship ended when Hank's young sister got in the family way by Carlos with Rosa. Hank's life was never the same after his sister left when her brother fired Carlos. Hank had a dilemma. The ranch was getting to be too much for him so he hatched a plan. He forced his niece Rosa and his ranch foreman Calvin Marshall to spend the Christmas holidays with him and he would decide whom to leave his ranch to. Cal and Rosa wanted to do this for what would be a dying man's last holiday on Earth. Hank took the gamble that what he wanted to happen would happen and it did. Furthermore, with the spirit of Christmas and an unexpected snowstorm healed some old feelings between two grumpy hardheaded men.

This story was a sweet easy read.