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Longhorn Canyon #5
Christmas with a Cowboy
A rugged Texas cowboy gets into the Christmas spirit to prove himself to the woman he loves in this heartwarming novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Family Journal. Maverick Callahan lives up to his reputation as a freewheeling cowboy. But a year ago he fell head-over-heels for an extraordinary woman he met while on vacation, a woman he was convinced he'd never see again. So when she appears on his doorstep like a Christmas miracle, Maverick is determined not to waste his lucky break.Bridget O'Malley's world has flipped upside down. As the new guardian of her best friend's baby, she hasn't had a moment to think about the Texas rancher who broke her heart. He's just as sexy as ever, but she knows better than anyone that he's not the settling-down type. As the trees are trimmed and mistletoe hung, will some holiday magic help Bridget trust this carefree cowboy with her heart and her future?Includes the bonus novella "Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas" by Sara Richardson!
449 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2019
659 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
181 books4,115 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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October 24, 2019
Maverick travels to Ireland with his grandmother and ends up meeting a girl named Bridget that he practically falls in love with at first sight. They get together for an evening of romance but part ways as Maverick must head back to his ranch home in Texas.
Little does Maverick know, Bridget has a connection to his family and winds up in Texas a year later where they meet again, right in his grandmother's house. This time, Bridget has a baby with her (Laela), and Maverick is determined not to let this chance at love pass him up again. The question is: can Maverick settle down and leave his party-life behind?
This was a pretty good, heartwarming Christmas tale. It's not overly Christmassy, but just enough to get you into the spirit of the season. It became a little drawn out at times, and it was a tad predictable, but it continued to hold my interest. The romance was fairly clean as well. This book ended up being exactly what I was looking for.
I really enjoyed all the characters, especially Maverick. He's sweet, considerate, and kind-hearted. It's lovely the respect he has for others, especially his grandmother (Iris) with the way he takes care of her every need. I liked that he's responsible and wants to do right by everyone. Bridget was also very likable. She's been through a lot after losing her nana and her best friend in the same year, and now she faces some tough decisions, but she's strong and determined. This story has a lovely group of people who look after one another and that's one of my favorite aspects of the book.
Overall, Christmas with a Cowboy is a good holiday romance. I ended up reading the physical book along with Audible and thought the narrator did a nice job with all the characters. This novel is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone because each novel has an all new story and characters.
4****
You can also see this review @www.readrantrockandroll.com
Little does Maverick know, Bridget has a connection to his family and winds up in Texas a year later where they meet again, right in his grandmother's house. This time, Bridget has a baby with her (Laela), and Maverick is determined not to let this chance at love pass him up again. The question is: can Maverick settle down and leave his party-life behind?
This was a pretty good, heartwarming Christmas tale. It's not overly Christmassy, but just enough to get you into the spirit of the season. It became a little drawn out at times, and it was a tad predictable, but it continued to hold my interest. The romance was fairly clean as well. This book ended up being exactly what I was looking for.
I really enjoyed all the characters, especially Maverick. He's sweet, considerate, and kind-hearted. It's lovely the respect he has for others, especially his grandmother (Iris) with the way he takes care of her every need. I liked that he's responsible and wants to do right by everyone. Bridget was also very likable. She's been through a lot after losing her nana and her best friend in the same year, and now she faces some tough decisions, but she's strong and determined. This story has a lovely group of people who look after one another and that's one of my favorite aspects of the book.
Overall, Christmas with a Cowboy is a good holiday romance. I ended up reading the physical book along with Audible and thought the narrator did a nice job with all the characters. This novel is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone because each novel has an all new story and characters.
4****
You can also see this review @www.readrantrockandroll.com
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June 8, 2024
Christmas With a Cowboy is book five in the Longhorn Canyon series by Carolyn Brown. This is a sweet, second chance, holiday romance. Any of the books in the series can be read as stand alones. Other than this, I’ve only read book one previously.
One year ago, Maverick Callahan was in Ireland on vacation with his grandmother. He walked into the little pub, took a seat at the bar and was greeted by a gorgeous red headed bartender. The night was a night that neither of them would soon forget and Maverick might just have fallen a little bit in love that night. But it was his last night in Ireland. He was returning home the next day to Texas with his grandmother whom he was accompanying.
Bridget O’Malley was the bartender that night. One night stands were not something she ever did. But the longer Maverick sat at that bar, the more they talked, the more she didn’t want their night to end. And it didn’t. But, the next day he was returning home. Little did Bridget know that her life was about to change drastically.
First, Bridget loses her best friend and becomes the guardian to her baby daughter. Then soon after, she loses her grandmother. With her life in upheaval, she gets a call from her grandmother’s best friend in Texas who has taken a bad fall and could use some help for a few weeks. And little did she know that the same woman who was asking for her help was also the grandmother of her one night stand!!
Mav is known to be a bit of a partier but he is also a hard worker, he is reliable and is a good grandson to his granny. He can’t believe that Bridget is on their ranch. He never thought he’d see her again. He is being given a second chance to get things right this time.
If you add in lots of Christmas cookies, a sweet children’s program, some cute animals, lots of holiday decorations, and one adorable baby, you’ve got yourself a sweet, heart warming, holiday romance. I loved Mav and Bridget together and so wanted them to get their happy ever after. And lets not forget one bossy and a bit cantankerous granny who kept everyone in line. This is sweet and festive and is sure to give you all the holiday feels, no matter what month you read it in.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...
One year ago, Maverick Callahan was in Ireland on vacation with his grandmother. He walked into the little pub, took a seat at the bar and was greeted by a gorgeous red headed bartender. The night was a night that neither of them would soon forget and Maverick might just have fallen a little bit in love that night. But it was his last night in Ireland. He was returning home the next day to Texas with his grandmother whom he was accompanying.
Bridget O’Malley was the bartender that night. One night stands were not something she ever did. But the longer Maverick sat at that bar, the more they talked, the more she didn’t want their night to end. And it didn’t. But, the next day he was returning home. Little did Bridget know that her life was about to change drastically.
First, Bridget loses her best friend and becomes the guardian to her baby daughter. Then soon after, she loses her grandmother. With her life in upheaval, she gets a call from her grandmother’s best friend in Texas who has taken a bad fall and could use some help for a few weeks. And little did she know that the same woman who was asking for her help was also the grandmother of her one night stand!!
Mav is known to be a bit of a partier but he is also a hard worker, he is reliable and is a good grandson to his granny. He can’t believe that Bridget is on their ranch. He never thought he’d see her again. He is being given a second chance to get things right this time.
If you add in lots of Christmas cookies, a sweet children’s program, some cute animals, lots of holiday decorations, and one adorable baby, you’ve got yourself a sweet, heart warming, holiday romance. I loved Mav and Bridget together and so wanted them to get their happy ever after. And lets not forget one bossy and a bit cantankerous granny who kept everyone in line. This is sweet and festive and is sure to give you all the holiday feels, no matter what month you read it in.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...
September 26, 2019
Maverick and Bridget had a night of shared confidences and passion the last night of Maverick’s vacation in Ireland, and they parted ways thinking they’d never see each other again. Yet, neither could forget the strong bond forged in just a few hours, and as luck would have it they’re reunited again on Maverick’s Granny’s ranch. This time though, Bridget doesn’t feel she can risk her heart when she’s just inherited guardianship of her goddaughter after a tragic accident leaves baby Laela an orphan. Bridget know a mother by default, must keep her daughter’s needs and future as her focus, not spending time with a carefree cowboy, no matter how sexy he is.
Maverick left Ireland with a sad heart after parting ways with Bridget. Meeting again at his grandma’s ranch is a second chance he doesn’t want to waste, but is he ready to give up his wild cowboy ways permanently? Working together on the ranch as well as on all the Christmas duties Granny Iris assigns them forces them together and it’s as if the match has been struck up again between them. All that attraction burns bright again!
I love Carolyn Brown’s cowboy romances and Christmas With a Cowboy brought out the warm and fuzzies. I really enjoyed Bridget and Maverick’s journey to a HEA, which seemed to be helped along by their grannies. As usual, Ms. Brown brings sage advice, and some laughs with more mature secondary cast, in this case Maverick’s Granny Iris. I just loved how sweet Maverick was with baby Laela and for much of the book they were like a ready-made perfect family. There were a few bumps in the road, but no more than you’d expect real people to encounter with this type of situation.
There were hints at the next romance to come with Alana and Paxton. I can’t wait!
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Maverick left Ireland with a sad heart after parting ways with Bridget. Meeting again at his grandma’s ranch is a second chance he doesn’t want to waste, but is he ready to give up his wild cowboy ways permanently? Working together on the ranch as well as on all the Christmas duties Granny Iris assigns them forces them together and it’s as if the match has been struck up again between them. All that attraction burns bright again!
I love Carolyn Brown’s cowboy romances and Christmas With a Cowboy brought out the warm and fuzzies. I really enjoyed Bridget and Maverick’s journey to a HEA, which seemed to be helped along by their grannies. As usual, Ms. Brown brings sage advice, and some laughs with more mature secondary cast, in this case Maverick’s Granny Iris. I just loved how sweet Maverick was with baby Laela and for much of the book they were like a ready-made perfect family. There were a few bumps in the road, but no more than you’d expect real people to encounter with this type of situation.
There were hints at the next romance to come with Alana and Paxton. I can’t wait!
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2019
Maverick is on holiday when he meets Bridget. It was a very short relationship and he can't get her out of his mind. They will never see each other again. It is about a year later he goes to see his grandmother and Bridget is the one taking care of her, with a baby in tow. But it isn't his. Her best friend's were killed in a car accident and she became guardian of the baby.
I loved this book. For a guy who never wanted to settle down or have kids he is so good with children and they all love him. Other women see him as a brother and he is there for everyone. SO much so that Bridget misunderstands a couple of things and then realizes it and feels like a fool. Maverick knows she is the one for him but she keeps saying she is going back home when his grandmother is all better and he doesn't want to leave the ranch. You will have to read this to find out what happened between these 2 and where they want to settle down.
I received this from Forever and NetGalley for a review.
I loved this book. For a guy who never wanted to settle down or have kids he is so good with children and they all love him. Other women see him as a brother and he is there for everyone. SO much so that Bridget misunderstands a couple of things and then realizes it and feels like a fool. Maverick knows she is the one for him but she keeps saying she is going back home when his grandmother is all better and he doesn't want to leave the ranch. You will have to read this to find out what happened between these 2 and where they want to settle down.
I received this from Forever and NetGalley for a review.
September 23, 2019
Maverick and Bridget have a one-night stand in Ireland during a vacation with his grandmother’s to visit her old friend. They never thought they’d see each other again but have stayed in each other’s thoughts.
But fate has other plans…
Bridget is invited by her grandmother’s best friend to Texas with a small baby in tow. A baby she was given guardianship over when her best friend died. Then her grandmother dies, leaving Bridget with a baby and no job. She takes the offer of help from Iris only to find out that her one night stand, Maverick, is Iris’ grandson.
Christmas with A Cowboy is written with the true magic of a Christmas romances in mind. Heartwarming, easy and endearing with a bit of predictability, Christmas with a Cowboy will surely touch the heart of all who read it and help put you in the Christmas spirit.
I received this ARC copy of Christmas with a Cowboy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing). This is my honest and voluntary review. Christmas with a Cowboy is set for publication September 24, 2019.
My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Carolyn Brown
Series: Longhorn Canyon (Book 5)
Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Forever (September 24, 2019)
ISBN-10: 1538748746
ISBN-13: 978-1538748749
Genre: Christmas Romance
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Cowb...
Barnes & noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chri...
Itunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/chris...
But fate has other plans…
Bridget is invited by her grandmother’s best friend to Texas with a small baby in tow. A baby she was given guardianship over when her best friend died. Then her grandmother dies, leaving Bridget with a baby and no job. She takes the offer of help from Iris only to find out that her one night stand, Maverick, is Iris’ grandson.
Christmas with A Cowboy is written with the true magic of a Christmas romances in mind. Heartwarming, easy and endearing with a bit of predictability, Christmas with a Cowboy will surely touch the heart of all who read it and help put you in the Christmas spirit.
I received this ARC copy of Christmas with a Cowboy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing). This is my honest and voluntary review. Christmas with a Cowboy is set for publication September 24, 2019.
My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Carolyn Brown
Series: Longhorn Canyon (Book 5)
Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Forever (September 24, 2019)
ISBN-10: 1538748746
ISBN-13: 978-1538748749
Genre: Christmas Romance
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Cowb...
Barnes & noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chri...
Itunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/chris...
October 20, 2020
The heroine in this one drove me nuts, and not in a good way.
October 13, 2019
A rancher and a bartender meet in a pub in Ireland. They have a one-night stand and like he told her the night before, he's back in Texas the next day. One year later, they'll meet again.
Maverick Callahan loves Christmas. This year, he'll spend it at his grandma house, to help her with the ranch's chores because she just had surgery for a new hip. That's where he see Briget O'Malley, the woman he thought about often but had no way to contact her. What they both learn is that Maverick's grandmother was friend with Bridget's and since her grandma died a few weeks ago, she didn't want the granddaughter to be alone for the Holidays and invited her as a guest and hired her as a cook and housekeeper. Bridget didn't come alone. She arrived with a baby. It's hers, but not biologically. When her friend and her boyfriend were killed in a car accident, Bridget, as the godmother, became a new mom. Bridget will go back in Ireland after the Holidays, at least, that's the plan. But living with sexy Maverick, sweet little Laela and sassy grandma Iris as if they were already a family will makes it so much harder to say goodbye. But could she abandon her precious Ireland for a Texan life?
"He grabbed her by the waist with his free arm, pulled her to his side, and sang Josh Turner's "Your Man" as he danced her and Laela around the room. The baby squealed with laughter, and Bridget couldn't wipe the smile off her face. Maverick was such a fun-loving person, and even if they never got past the flirting and friendship stage, he was opening up a whole new adventure for her."
This quote is the perfect example why I love this author's books so much. A sweet and uncomplicated romance with a spirited but lovable heroine and a charming cowboy who's not afraid of love and responsibilities, no matter his life's story or past reputation as a ladies' man. What I really like too about CB's cowboy romance is that she always talk to the readers at the beginning of each books. I love reading what she have to say about the story or about her life. Even if Maverick and Bridget was intimate before, their chemistry when they meet again is more like a flirting friendship because they both wants to take the time to get to know the other before making a serious decision about the future. But we all know they were made for each other😜.
Maverick Callahan loves Christmas. This year, he'll spend it at his grandma house, to help her with the ranch's chores because she just had surgery for a new hip. That's where he see Briget O'Malley, the woman he thought about often but had no way to contact her. What they both learn is that Maverick's grandmother was friend with Bridget's and since her grandma died a few weeks ago, she didn't want the granddaughter to be alone for the Holidays and invited her as a guest and hired her as a cook and housekeeper. Bridget didn't come alone. She arrived with a baby. It's hers, but not biologically. When her friend and her boyfriend were killed in a car accident, Bridget, as the godmother, became a new mom. Bridget will go back in Ireland after the Holidays, at least, that's the plan. But living with sexy Maverick, sweet little Laela and sassy grandma Iris as if they were already a family will makes it so much harder to say goodbye. But could she abandon her precious Ireland for a Texan life?
"He grabbed her by the waist with his free arm, pulled her to his side, and sang Josh Turner's "Your Man" as he danced her and Laela around the room. The baby squealed with laughter, and Bridget couldn't wipe the smile off her face. Maverick was such a fun-loving person, and even if they never got past the flirting and friendship stage, he was opening up a whole new adventure for her."
This quote is the perfect example why I love this author's books so much. A sweet and uncomplicated romance with a spirited but lovable heroine and a charming cowboy who's not afraid of love and responsibilities, no matter his life's story or past reputation as a ladies' man. What I really like too about CB's cowboy romance is that she always talk to the readers at the beginning of each books. I love reading what she have to say about the story or about her life. Even if Maverick and Bridget was intimate before, their chemistry when they meet again is more like a flirting friendship because they both wants to take the time to get to know the other before making a serious decision about the future. But we all know they were made for each other😜.
November 8, 2019
When Maverick Callahan met the perfect woman a year before in Ireland, he had certain he would never see her again. When he heads home to help his grandmother at her ranch while she recovers from surgery, Maverick discovers she has hired a helper, a woman with a baby. The woman is none other than Bridget O'Malley, the woman who stole his heart in a single night.
As it turns out, both of their grandmothers were very dear friends. Now that Bridget has lost hers, she is asked to come to America to help out. This is a true blessing, because Bridget not only has very little funds to go on, she is now guardian to her best friend's baby. Not only will Bridget and the baby have somewhere to stay for the holidays and beyond, she will be able to save money.
Imagine the shock when Bridget and Maverick lock eyes on one another again! Apparently Maverick wasn't the only one who fell. Bridget did as well. However, they never shared last names or phone numbers. And here they are again. But Bridget has the baby's future in mind, not romance, so she is not willing to give into her feelings.
Maverick is gifted with children, as his interactions with the baby proves. What is more, is that there is a part of the book that sparked a bit of humor when it comes to his baby magic skills. Meanwhile, Maverick is a very caring and protective man towards his grandmother, and would be perfect for Bridget. Will these two find forever happiness and become a family?
Christmas with a Cowboy is a wonderful addition to the Longhorn Canyon series. I have enjoyed every story thus far. The fifth book in this delightful and engaging series is Cowboy Courage, which will be released in January.
Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
As it turns out, both of their grandmothers were very dear friends. Now that Bridget has lost hers, she is asked to come to America to help out. This is a true blessing, because Bridget not only has very little funds to go on, she is now guardian to her best friend's baby. Not only will Bridget and the baby have somewhere to stay for the holidays and beyond, she will be able to save money.
Imagine the shock when Bridget and Maverick lock eyes on one another again! Apparently Maverick wasn't the only one who fell. Bridget did as well. However, they never shared last names or phone numbers. And here they are again. But Bridget has the baby's future in mind, not romance, so she is not willing to give into her feelings.
Maverick is gifted with children, as his interactions with the baby proves. What is more, is that there is a part of the book that sparked a bit of humor when it comes to his baby magic skills. Meanwhile, Maverick is a very caring and protective man towards his grandmother, and would be perfect for Bridget. Will these two find forever happiness and become a family?
Christmas with a Cowboy is a wonderful addition to the Longhorn Canyon series. I have enjoyed every story thus far. The fifth book in this delightful and engaging series is Cowboy Courage, which will be released in January.
Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 30, 2019
Christmas With a Cowboy is the story of cowboy named Maverick and a red-headed Irishwoman, named Bridget. This is book five in the Longhorn Canyon series by Carolyn Brown. Though this novel is part of a series, it reads as a standalone.
Maverick Callahan travels to Ireland with his grandmother, Iris, to visit her friend Virgie because he doesn’t want his Granny to travel that far alone. On his last night there he meets Bridget O’Malley, a beautiful red-headed bartender and spends one magical night with her. Neither Maverick nor Bridget realize that the best friend their Granny is talking about is the other’s Granny.
Bridget O’Malley, red-headed bartender and granddaughter of Maverick’s Granny Iris’, friend Virgie, faces some serious life changing issues and ends up living in Texas. She didn’t come alone though; she brought baby Laela, the goddaughter she is now responsible for, since both Laela’s mother, Deidre, and her father, Jimmy have been killed in a car accident.
Christmas With a Cowboy is full of heartwarming Christmas spirit, but still has enough romance and drama to keep the reader interested throughout. The characters are relatable and likable, in fact they’re probably people you’d like to know.
Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas, the tale of recent divorcée, Kenna Hart, and established bachelor, Tucker McGrath, is a bonus Sara Richardson novella included with the purchase of Christmas With a Cowboy. It’s a story of love, betrayal and forgiveness with a lot of Christmas spirit and a little Christmas magic.
I completely enjoyed both stories. I give them a 4 out of 5 star rating and recommend them to all lovers of romance, especially romance with a holiday theme.
My thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Maverick Callahan travels to Ireland with his grandmother, Iris, to visit her friend Virgie because he doesn’t want his Granny to travel that far alone. On his last night there he meets Bridget O’Malley, a beautiful red-headed bartender and spends one magical night with her. Neither Maverick nor Bridget realize that the best friend their Granny is talking about is the other’s Granny.
Bridget O’Malley, red-headed bartender and granddaughter of Maverick’s Granny Iris’, friend Virgie, faces some serious life changing issues and ends up living in Texas. She didn’t come alone though; she brought baby Laela, the goddaughter she is now responsible for, since both Laela’s mother, Deidre, and her father, Jimmy have been killed in a car accident.
Christmas With a Cowboy is full of heartwarming Christmas spirit, but still has enough romance and drama to keep the reader interested throughout. The characters are relatable and likable, in fact they’re probably people you’d like to know.
Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas, the tale of recent divorcée, Kenna Hart, and established bachelor, Tucker McGrath, is a bonus Sara Richardson novella included with the purchase of Christmas With a Cowboy. It’s a story of love, betrayal and forgiveness with a lot of Christmas spirit and a little Christmas magic.
I completely enjoyed both stories. I give them a 4 out of 5 star rating and recommend them to all lovers of romance, especially romance with a holiday theme.
My thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
September 24, 2019
I loved loved loved this book!! Carolyn brown really has no book does not hook you and draw you in! Book 5 in this series is a perfect start to the holiday season! Maverick is every ones idea of a real cowboy! He falls in love with Bridget after a chance meeting, and he thinks he has lost her forever. Bridget heart was broken thinking she will never be with him again and he is lost to her forever. She soon has no choice but to move past this as she has now become a parent to a child that is not hers. The magic of Christmas has something special for this couple that will bring them together this time forever!! Loved this book and can not wait for the next book!!!!
September 25, 2019
>>>>> My Synopsis (Review follows): <<<<<
A year ago Maverick Callahan met a beautiful, sweet, sexy young barkeep and didn't make it back to his hotel until late morning. It had been his last night in Ireland, but he'd wished he'd met her on his first. He'd asked for her information but as it seemed fated they'd never again meet, she'd declined to give it to him. He hadn't forgotten her, though, and still felt like he'd missed out on something special.
When he goes to help his grandmother, Iris, on her ranch, the woman who'd been on his mind for the past year, Bridget, is there. Could this be fate's way of giving them another chance to get things right? Only time will tell, and Maverick plans to make good use of it.
>>>>> My Review: <<<<<
This is the 5th book in the Longhorn Canyon Series, but it reads like a standalone. It is also the 2nd book of the series that I've read, and I confess, now I'm curious about the rest of the books in the series. This was a very fun, sweet, and charming romance that left me in a good mood.
Bridget has had a rough year. Both her grandmother and best friend died within months of one another. When Iris, her grandmother's best friend, offers her a job for a month in the U.S. on her Texas ranch, she readily takes it. While Bridget knew Iris and her grandmother were best friends, she had no idea Maverick was her grandson. When she sees him in the photos on the wall, she realizes who the man in the pictures is, the cowboy from the states she'd had a one night stand with in Ireland, and she's grateful he's not there, until he is. Awkward is not sufficient enough a word to describe how she feels when he arrives. She is utterly gobsmacked.
Maverick is equally surprised, but awkward is not the word he'd use to describe his feelings upon seeing her. He's pleasantly surprised by her appearance, but she immediately makes it clear she's not the same girl she was a year ago, and if he's got any ideas about the two of them he can just forget them. She's heard about his 'wild' reputation and she wants no part of it. That, of course, is when the fun begins.
Iris would love to see both her grandsons married. On the plane ride home from Ireland she'd seen Maverick looking at a picture of her best friend's granddaughter. The two friends had talked about how perfect their grandkids would be for one another, but had never managed to introduce the two while Iris was visiting her in Ireland. When she learns her best friend has passed, and her granddaughter doesn't have a place to stay for the holidays, she asks her to come to Texas to help her out after her hip replacement surgery. Then Iris decides to meddle just a little and see what will happen when she asks her grandson, Maverick, to stay and help her with the ranch. The chemistry that Bridget and Maverick experienced in Ireland is alive and well, and Iris hopes it will turn into something more.
I couldn't help but give this one 4 out of 5 roses. It was a sweet and lighthearted romance with a sprinkling of humor mixed in. I loved the chemistry between Bridget and Maverick and the symbolism involved with the missing earring. I know I'm being ambiguous, but I don't want to reveal too much or give away any spoilers. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a FAN rating--the temperature in the room seems to have suddenly gone up a couple of degrees and a fan would be nice. If you're looking for a romance that will leave you with a smile on your face, this may be the book for you.
Note: I received an ARC from the publisher for review purposes. This in no way affected my rating.
A year ago Maverick Callahan met a beautiful, sweet, sexy young barkeep and didn't make it back to his hotel until late morning. It had been his last night in Ireland, but he'd wished he'd met her on his first. He'd asked for her information but as it seemed fated they'd never again meet, she'd declined to give it to him. He hadn't forgotten her, though, and still felt like he'd missed out on something special.
When he goes to help his grandmother, Iris, on her ranch, the woman who'd been on his mind for the past year, Bridget, is there. Could this be fate's way of giving them another chance to get things right? Only time will tell, and Maverick plans to make good use of it.
>>>>> My Review: <<<<<
This is the 5th book in the Longhorn Canyon Series, but it reads like a standalone. It is also the 2nd book of the series that I've read, and I confess, now I'm curious about the rest of the books in the series. This was a very fun, sweet, and charming romance that left me in a good mood.
Bridget has had a rough year. Both her grandmother and best friend died within months of one another. When Iris, her grandmother's best friend, offers her a job for a month in the U.S. on her Texas ranch, she readily takes it. While Bridget knew Iris and her grandmother were best friends, she had no idea Maverick was her grandson. When she sees him in the photos on the wall, she realizes who the man in the pictures is, the cowboy from the states she'd had a one night stand with in Ireland, and she's grateful he's not there, until he is. Awkward is not sufficient enough a word to describe how she feels when he arrives. She is utterly gobsmacked.
Maverick is equally surprised, but awkward is not the word he'd use to describe his feelings upon seeing her. He's pleasantly surprised by her appearance, but she immediately makes it clear she's not the same girl she was a year ago, and if he's got any ideas about the two of them he can just forget them. She's heard about his 'wild' reputation and she wants no part of it. That, of course, is when the fun begins.
Iris would love to see both her grandsons married. On the plane ride home from Ireland she'd seen Maverick looking at a picture of her best friend's granddaughter. The two friends had talked about how perfect their grandkids would be for one another, but had never managed to introduce the two while Iris was visiting her in Ireland. When she learns her best friend has passed, and her granddaughter doesn't have a place to stay for the holidays, she asks her to come to Texas to help her out after her hip replacement surgery. Then Iris decides to meddle just a little and see what will happen when she asks her grandson, Maverick, to stay and help her with the ranch. The chemistry that Bridget and Maverick experienced in Ireland is alive and well, and Iris hopes it will turn into something more.
I couldn't help but give this one 4 out of 5 roses. It was a sweet and lighthearted romance with a sprinkling of humor mixed in. I loved the chemistry between Bridget and Maverick and the symbolism involved with the missing earring. I know I'm being ambiguous, but I don't want to reveal too much or give away any spoilers. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a FAN rating--the temperature in the room seems to have suddenly gone up a couple of degrees and a fan would be nice. If you're looking for a romance that will leave you with a smile on your face, this may be the book for you.
Note: I received an ARC from the publisher for review purposes. This in no way affected my rating.
September 26, 2019
***3.5 Stars***
I've been in the mood to binge on cowboy romances lately. Add a swoony cowboy, an adorable baby girl, a feisty irish woman, and a christmas theme and that's what i call an irresistible read. There was no way I could turn down an arc of Christmas With A Cowboy by Carolyn Brown.
About Christmas With A Cowboy:
All Bridget wants tonight is one night of passion. SO when a sexy cowboy walks into her bar, her mind is instantly made up. She'll do whatever it takes to spend a little more time with this man and let her wild side free for a few hours.
Maverick is visiting Ireland with his grandmother, he never in a million years thought stumbling into a bar would lead him straight into a feisty redheads arms but as he looks down on this sleeping angel, he realizes there is nowhere he'd rather be. But morning comes far to soon and the two part ways without exchanging numbers or last names leaving it as two passing strangers in the night seeking comfort in each others arms.....
....A year later... and Maverick still can't get the fiery red head he met in ireland of his mind. So imagine his shock when he comes to help his grandmother in Daisy, Texas and finds Bridget in his grandmother's house... with a baby on her hip. A lot can change in a year and Bridget's a sign of that. She lost her best friend and her grandmother all in the same year, and gained guardianship of her best friends baby. Yep, a whole hell of a lot can happen in one...single....year.
My Thoughts:
When I first read the blurb for Christmas With A Cowboy, I knew I needed this romance in my life for many reasons. First, I am addicted to wild swoony cowboys! There's something extremely sexy about watching these wild men being tamed by first time love. I can't get enough.
Second, I love when babies and children are incorporated into these romances for many reasons. But the main reason being these aspects always melt my heart when a strong willed man falls for the preciousness of a child's love. I love watching these men get attached and take on a father type role. It melts my heart in the best of ways. Third, who seriously doesn't love Feisty woman!!! I knew Bridget was going to be the one to give this hell raising cowboy a run for his money!!!!
And forth... Hello!!! Let's talk about the kickass stubborn Granny! I honestly couldn't get enough of Maverick's grandmother! She's stubborn to boot and I loved her meddling ways and her independence.
I loved this novel, I loved the meddling granny, the swoony cowboy, and the feisty irish red head. But there were a few issues that had me breaking my rating down and dropping it to a 3.5 rating. First off, I felt some scenes were insanely rushed which led to a mixup in character chemistry. I needed a bit of a slow down for some moments to really grasp the connection between Maverick and Bridget.
Second, I hated the personality change Bridget had going on. I know she's a new mother/guardian to a baby girl, but I know tons of single mothers out there that are still as feisty as ever. Just because you have a baby, doesn't mean the personality has to change. And trust me when I say, I completely understand other aspects of her life were in dire need of change, but damn I wanted her to keep the feisty spirit alive!!
I can already see a trend coming when we get closer to the month of December. I can see myself binging on many Christmas books with swoony and brooding cowboys. But because it's the end of September, I'm going to keep the christmas romances on my shelf and save them for December reads. I believe that's another issue I had with the flow of this novel. Even though I loved the christmas theme.... I'm pretty sure I wasn't quite ready for christmas reads yet.
Overall, I enjoyed the premise of Christmas With A Cowboy. I was completely swept away by this christmas tale and overall I enjoyed it in the end. The ending to Christmas With A Cowboy was so sweet! I legit couldn't erase the smile from my face. I am in love with love and Bridget and Maverick's story is all about love and fate at it's finest. This book is perfect for those that love cowboys, clean romances, and christmas themes!
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The Staircase Reader
September 26, 2019
It’s never too early to start on the holiday reading. And Christmas with a Cowboy did in fact bring those holiday feels.
Maverick and Bridget meet when he’s on vacation in Ireland. They instantly hit it off, and on Maverick’s last night, they spend it together. He returns to Texas, but can’t seem to stop thinking about Bridget or of the connection he has towards her. And one year later, he never expected to see her again, and in Texas no less.
Bridget has been through a lot. She’s lost her best friend—and has now gained guardianship of her baby. She’s also going through the loss of her grandmother. When her grandmother’s best friend offers her a place to stay and make some money, she can’t refuse—even if that means leaving Ireland for a couple of months.
Bridget and Maverick never thought they’d see each other again. And since the night they spent together Bridget’s life has changed drastically. She’s a mom now and her focus is taking care of Laela. She’s not sure if Maverick, the playboy cowboy is up for such responsibility. But Bridget and Maverick get a chance to get to really know each other and Bridget sees that Maverick has changed and that the chemistry between them is still there.
Christmas with a Cowboy is a sweet small town romance with little drama and a lot of heart. A holiday read that brings that feeling of the holiday season.
*ARC generously provided by Forever Romance*
Maverick and Bridget meet when he’s on vacation in Ireland. They instantly hit it off, and on Maverick’s last night, they spend it together. He returns to Texas, but can’t seem to stop thinking about Bridget or of the connection he has towards her. And one year later, he never expected to see her again, and in Texas no less.
Bridget has been through a lot. She’s lost her best friend—and has now gained guardianship of her baby. She’s also going through the loss of her grandmother. When her grandmother’s best friend offers her a place to stay and make some money, she can’t refuse—even if that means leaving Ireland for a couple of months.
Bridget and Maverick never thought they’d see each other again. And since the night they spent together Bridget’s life has changed drastically. She’s a mom now and her focus is taking care of Laela. She’s not sure if Maverick, the playboy cowboy is up for such responsibility. But Bridget and Maverick get a chance to get to really know each other and Bridget sees that Maverick has changed and that the chemistry between them is still there.
Christmas with a Cowboy is a sweet small town romance with little drama and a lot of heart. A holiday read that brings that feeling of the holiday season.
*ARC generously provided by Forever Romance*
December 30, 2019
Four stars: A delightful romance with holiday cheer and terrific characters.
On the last night of his vacation in Ireland, Maverick Callahan happens into an Irish pub. There, he meets a feisty, Irish, red headed bar tender. The two spend an amazing night together before he heads back to America. Neither expects to see the other again, but both leave a piece of their hearts behind. One year later, Bridget’s fortune has changed drastically. She lost her beloved granny and became an instant mother after her friend dies unexpectedly leaving Bridget the care lone caretaker of her infant daughter. When her granny’s life long best friend, Iris, reaches out and offers Bridget a job on her Texas ranch, Bridget accepts the short term job until she figure things out. A few days later, her heart drops to her toes when the very same Maverick Callahan strolls through his grandma’s front door. Will there be a Christmas miracle in store for Bridget?
What I Liked:
*You can’t go wrong with a Carolyn Brown romance, especially a Christmas romance. I liked that this book was packed with all that you love about the holiday season from snow storms, cookies, mistletoe, trim trimming and more. Settle in with a cup of something warm, a blanket and spend an afternoon in Texas.
*I liked that this one featured a sassy, red headed Irish girl. You don’t get Irish girls in Western romances, so Bridget was something different. I loved her sass and her stubbornness as well as her kind heart. I liked that she was genuine.
*Maverick is a wild cowboy not looking to settle down, or so he thinks until one feisty Irish girl moves into his grandmother’s house with a small baby in tow. It was charming to see this rough cowboy fall head over heels for two Irish lasses. I liked that Maverick was kind and caring and patient as well. He was the perfect male lead.
8Iris, the elderly grandmother, steals the show. Iris is a former Irish girl herself, and believe me she is full of spunk and sass. I loved that she was always telling like it is. She is also stubborn and fiercely independent. Her sharp tongue made me giggle. I loved Iris!
*If you want holiday cheer, this book has it. Think snow storms, animals, Christmas cookies, kisses under the mistletoe, Christmas carols as well as holiday programs and Christmas miracles. This one was bursting with holiday spirit. The best holiday book I read in 2019.
*The romance is an interesting one. It starts with a night of heated passion. Then it settles in for a long slow dance. I liked that it took plenty of time for this one to find it’s footing. Friendship and trust had to be established before it picked up speed.
*The ending was just right. All ended in a good spot for this pair, but another couple is waiting in the wings. I am eager to see the next romantic pairing.
And The Not So Much:
*Even though I liked Bridget’s spunk, there were a few times where her temper got out of hand. She was one who was quick to lash out before knowing the facts.
*The book needed way more of Iris. I was a little sad about Iris’s final decision.
Christmas with a Cowboy is another charming holiday romance from the talented Mrs. Brown. This is a book that will steal your heart and put you in the mood for the holidays. Grab this one anytime you want a cheerful romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
On the last night of his vacation in Ireland, Maverick Callahan happens into an Irish pub. There, he meets a feisty, Irish, red headed bar tender. The two spend an amazing night together before he heads back to America. Neither expects to see the other again, but both leave a piece of their hearts behind. One year later, Bridget’s fortune has changed drastically. She lost her beloved granny and became an instant mother after her friend dies unexpectedly leaving Bridget the care lone caretaker of her infant daughter. When her granny’s life long best friend, Iris, reaches out and offers Bridget a job on her Texas ranch, Bridget accepts the short term job until she figure things out. A few days later, her heart drops to her toes when the very same Maverick Callahan strolls through his grandma’s front door. Will there be a Christmas miracle in store for Bridget?
What I Liked:
*You can’t go wrong with a Carolyn Brown romance, especially a Christmas romance. I liked that this book was packed with all that you love about the holiday season from snow storms, cookies, mistletoe, trim trimming and more. Settle in with a cup of something warm, a blanket and spend an afternoon in Texas.
*I liked that this one featured a sassy, red headed Irish girl. You don’t get Irish girls in Western romances, so Bridget was something different. I loved her sass and her stubbornness as well as her kind heart. I liked that she was genuine.
*Maverick is a wild cowboy not looking to settle down, or so he thinks until one feisty Irish girl moves into his grandmother’s house with a small baby in tow. It was charming to see this rough cowboy fall head over heels for two Irish lasses. I liked that Maverick was kind and caring and patient as well. He was the perfect male lead.
8Iris, the elderly grandmother, steals the show. Iris is a former Irish girl herself, and believe me she is full of spunk and sass. I loved that she was always telling like it is. She is also stubborn and fiercely independent. Her sharp tongue made me giggle. I loved Iris!
*If you want holiday cheer, this book has it. Think snow storms, animals, Christmas cookies, kisses under the mistletoe, Christmas carols as well as holiday programs and Christmas miracles. This one was bursting with holiday spirit. The best holiday book I read in 2019.
*The romance is an interesting one. It starts with a night of heated passion. Then it settles in for a long slow dance. I liked that it took plenty of time for this one to find it’s footing. Friendship and trust had to be established before it picked up speed.
*The ending was just right. All ended in a good spot for this pair, but another couple is waiting in the wings. I am eager to see the next romantic pairing.
And The Not So Much:
*Even though I liked Bridget’s spunk, there were a few times where her temper got out of hand. She was one who was quick to lash out before knowing the facts.
*The book needed way more of Iris. I was a little sad about Iris’s final decision.
Christmas with a Cowboy is another charming holiday romance from the talented Mrs. Brown. This is a book that will steal your heart and put you in the mood for the holidays. Grab this one anytime you want a cheerful romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
February 22, 2021
This was probably the weakest book in the series and honestly, I'm not sure I want to read the last two books anytime soon since it just keeps going downhill.
I had to force myself to finish this book. It was utterly boring with very low angst. Maverick and Bridget first meet in Ireland while Mav accompanies his Irish grandmother to visit her best friend. They have one hot night together before they part ways never to hear from each other again. They don't exchange any contact info and Mav doesn't even know her last name. So imagine his surprise when he finds her in his grandmother's house, with a baby that looks just like him. She's in Texas to help take care of Maverick's grandmother who just had hip surgery and as a way to earn some money. Her best friend died in a car accident and left her guardianship of Laela, the cutest baby girl. So now she has a baby to feed on top of dealing with the grief from losing her grandmother and best friend in less than a year.
The best part of the book was seeing Maverick's interactions with Laela. They were just too adorable together and I could have used more of the cuteness.
Otherwise, nothing spectacular happened. They played house and essentially acted like a married couple with a baby. They eventually fall into bed together and decide to give the future a go. And they get their HEA. The end.
I had to force myself to finish this book. It was utterly boring with very low angst. Maverick and Bridget first meet in Ireland while Mav accompanies his Irish grandmother to visit her best friend. They have one hot night together before they part ways never to hear from each other again. They don't exchange any contact info and Mav doesn't even know her last name. So imagine his surprise when he finds her in his grandmother's house, with a baby that looks just like him. She's in Texas to help take care of Maverick's grandmother who just had hip surgery and as a way to earn some money. Her best friend died in a car accident and left her guardianship of Laela, the cutest baby girl. So now she has a baby to feed on top of dealing with the grief from losing her grandmother and best friend in less than a year.
The best part of the book was seeing Maverick's interactions with Laela. They were just too adorable together and I could have used more of the cuteness.
Otherwise, nothing spectacular happened. They played house and essentially acted like a married couple with a baby. They eventually fall into bed together and decide to give the future a go. And they get their HEA. The end.
September 13, 2019
Christmas with a Cowboy (Longhorn Canyon #5) by Carolyn Brown
3.5 stars
M/F Second Chance Romance
Triggers: Death
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Bridget and Maverick meet in Ireland during a trip that Maverick didn't want his grandma to take alone. Iris, Maverick's grandma, is originally from Ireland and she goes back to visit her best friend, Bridget's grandma.
However, somewhere else in Ireland is where Bridget and Maverick meet. They have an amazing night together and then part ways, believing that they will never see each other again. Fate, however, has a different plan. When Bridget has immense loss in her life, Iris is there to lend a helping hand.
These two characters get a chance that few do - they get to try for real, under real circumstances. Bridget and Maverick learn each other for real this time and get to do it surrounded by people who are cheering them on.
I will say that at times, I found myself skimming through the pages, as it was a slower story. However, it was wonderfully developed and, despite the predictability, gives new hope for the coming holiday season.
3.5 stars
M/F Second Chance Romance
Triggers: Death
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Bridget and Maverick meet in Ireland during a trip that Maverick didn't want his grandma to take alone. Iris, Maverick's grandma, is originally from Ireland and she goes back to visit her best friend, Bridget's grandma.
However, somewhere else in Ireland is where Bridget and Maverick meet. They have an amazing night together and then part ways, believing that they will never see each other again. Fate, however, has a different plan. When Bridget has immense loss in her life, Iris is there to lend a helping hand.
These two characters get a chance that few do - they get to try for real, under real circumstances. Bridget and Maverick learn each other for real this time and get to do it surrounded by people who are cheering them on.
I will say that at times, I found myself skimming through the pages, as it was a slower story. However, it was wonderfully developed and, despite the predictability, gives new hope for the coming holiday season.
November 13, 2019
I adore this series, I love Maverick as a character for a lot of reasons, and this love story was so sweet. I am so excited to continue on with this series, and watch what happens to Mav and Bridget! Has my favorite trope of a child in the middle to help with trust as well! I love that this is a trend in publishing right now.
November 15, 2019
A great love story as only Carolyn Brown can tell. It was exciting following Maverick and Bridget on their road to a happy ever after.
Also in this book was the novella Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Sara Richardson. Great story watching Kenna and Tucker as they fight their love for each other. Overall a must read for Christmas enjoyment.
Also in this book was the novella Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Sara Richardson. Great story watching Kenna and Tucker as they fight their love for each other. Overall a must read for Christmas enjoyment.
August 18, 2020
Christmas With a Cowboy
Seems a little strange reading about Christmas when it's over 100 degrees outside in mid August. Oh well, I love holiday books any time of year. Maverick and Bridget make a great couple. I love the way Maverick is with kids and the way he is always dancing.
Seems a little strange reading about Christmas when it's over 100 degrees outside in mid August. Oh well, I love holiday books any time of year. Maverick and Bridget make a great couple. I love the way Maverick is with kids and the way he is always dancing.
dnf
February 7, 2020Maverick and Bridget meet when Maverick is overseas on vacation. They hit it off, had a one night stand and a year later Maverick is face to face with Bridget again.
I read to about 18% and had to shelve the book. I really wanted to love this book, especially as a holiday romance, but I just was not connecting with the characters or the storyline.
I received a complimentary finished copy of this book from the publisher.
I read to about 18% and had to shelve the book. I really wanted to love this book, especially as a holiday romance, but I just was not connecting with the characters or the storyline.
I received a complimentary finished copy of this book from the publisher.
September 23, 2019
ARC REVIEW
Longhorn Canyon Ranch #5, Maverick Callahan hasn't been the same since he got back from his Ireland vacation with his Grammy Iris. Since then he has been helping his cousins set up their ranch but when Grammy falls out the pear tree and has to have her hip replaced and her foreman goes off to visit family she needs help around the ranch. She already has a housekeeper, the granddaughter of her best friend whom she invited over to spend the holidays.
Bridget O'Malley lost her best friend, gained guardianship of a new born baby, Laela, and lost her grandmother all in a couple months of each other. So when her grandmother's best friend, Iris, calls and offers her a place to stay and spend the holiday while making some money she jumps at the chance, even if that means leaving Ireland for a couple of months.
Bridget and Maverick met in Ireland on his last night there and spent the night together, since that night neither has been able to stop thinking about he other but they didn't exchange number or even get each other's last names. When Bridget gets to Texas she never expected to find her cowboy is none other than Iris's grandson. But she's not he same girl she was a year ago she's a mother now and just can't fall into bed with a good looking cowboy. Maverick knows as soon as he sees Bridget again it was fate. He wants her to stay but he just a cowboy with nothing to his name, he has nothing to offer her except his love. Bridget is torn between her love for Maverick and her love of Ireland, she worried that things aren't going to last, that her homesickness will make her miserable, she worries about a lot of things but her love for Maverick isn't one.
Overall, it's a real sweet romance, things get hot and heavy between Mav and Bridget but in the typical Carolyn Brown fashion (she mainly leaves it up to your imagination). I loved Laela, and how quickly Mav bonded with her and Iris is a hoot. I love all the characters and it was such a nice easy read.
Longhorn Canyon Ranch #5, Maverick Callahan hasn't been the same since he got back from his Ireland vacation with his Grammy Iris. Since then he has been helping his cousins set up their ranch but when Grammy falls out the pear tree and has to have her hip replaced and her foreman goes off to visit family she needs help around the ranch. She already has a housekeeper, the granddaughter of her best friend whom she invited over to spend the holidays.
Bridget O'Malley lost her best friend, gained guardianship of a new born baby, Laela, and lost her grandmother all in a couple months of each other. So when her grandmother's best friend, Iris, calls and offers her a place to stay and spend the holiday while making some money she jumps at the chance, even if that means leaving Ireland for a couple of months.
Bridget and Maverick met in Ireland on his last night there and spent the night together, since that night neither has been able to stop thinking about he other but they didn't exchange number or even get each other's last names. When Bridget gets to Texas she never expected to find her cowboy is none other than Iris's grandson. But she's not he same girl she was a year ago she's a mother now and just can't fall into bed with a good looking cowboy. Maverick knows as soon as he sees Bridget again it was fate. He wants her to stay but he just a cowboy with nothing to his name, he has nothing to offer her except his love. Bridget is torn between her love for Maverick and her love of Ireland, she worried that things aren't going to last, that her homesickness will make her miserable, she worries about a lot of things but her love for Maverick isn't one.
Overall, it's a real sweet romance, things get hot and heavy between Mav and Bridget but in the typical Carolyn Brown fashion (she mainly leaves it up to your imagination). I loved Laela, and how quickly Mav bonded with her and Iris is a hoot. I love all the characters and it was such a nice easy read.
February 8, 2020
Read it last Fall 2019 and Read early February 2020. 5Star rating and I loved it even more the second time around !
Definitely a book to read anytime of the year ! I enjoyed Maverick and Bridget's story.... with family & friends influence in life's unfolding reality ... threaded with Irish heritage. Maverick and Paxton's grandmother, Iris : a spunky and sweet character ... the touch of reality of aging !!! ... I really was moved to tears the last four chapters. Happiness tears of course.
Thank you Carolyn Brown for this wonderful story.
Copy received from Estelle, Forever Publisher ... This is my honest and independent review of this book: Christmas with a Cowboy.
Definitely a book to read anytime of the year ! I enjoyed Maverick and Bridget's story.... with family & friends influence in life's unfolding reality ... threaded with Irish heritage. Maverick and Paxton's grandmother, Iris : a spunky and sweet character ... the touch of reality of aging !!! ... I really was moved to tears the last four chapters. Happiness tears of course.
Thank you Carolyn Brown for this wonderful story.
Copy received from Estelle, Forever Publisher ... This is my honest and independent review of this book: Christmas with a Cowboy.
September 27, 2019
This is a sweetly thrilling, sexy fun, heartwarming adventure filled with heartwarming second chances, engaging charters and unforgettable passion... was a edge your seat read from beginning to end and I enjoyed every exciting twist and turn of this fun holiday journey.
November 12, 2019
Christmas with a Cowboy is the fifth book in Carolyn Brown's Longhorn Canyon series and the fourth title in the series I've read, and once again, it was a wonderful and charming read with a likable cast of characters, not much action, drama, or graphic sex , no real subplots or violence, but a whole lot of heart instead, and it gets 4.5 stars from this reader.
As the novel opens, Maverick Callahan steps into a pub on his last night in Ireland. He'd accompanied his Irish-born Granny, Iris, the woman who raised him, on a visit to her childhood home town, to see her lifelong best friend. It's at that pub where he meets and is charmed by the pretty, red-haired bartender, Bridget, and the two end up having a one-night stand, without even exchanging last names or phone numbers, but both wishing they'd met sooner.
One year later, Maverick is back on Granny Iris' ranch, she's had hip replacement surgery, her long-time ranch foreman is away, and Maverick has taken leave from his own job on another Texas ranch to help her out. Iris has also hired a housekeeper to help her with the cooking, cleaning and other household chores, and Maverick is shocked to discover that the new housekeeper is Bridget, who turns out to be the granddaughter of the best friend Iris visited in Ireland, and Bridget is not alone--she has an adorable baby girl, Laela, with her, one who looks an awful lot like Maverick. No, wes oon learn that it's not Maverick's child, it's Bridget's goddaughter, the daughter of her best friend and fellow bartender, Deirdre, and Deirdre's boyfriend, Jimmy, both of whom died in a tragic car accident, and, having no other family to take custody of Laela, leaving Bridget to raise Laela alone.
In the past year, both Bridget and Maverick have not forgotten their attraction for one another,and both have regretted not exchanging contact information. They haven't met anyone since who elicited the same spark in either of them, yet Bridget is due to return to Ireland for Christmas, and although the attraction between these two is palpable, neither wants Granny Iris to know about their one-night stand, or their still strong attraction to one another. Additionally, Bridget's first duty is to her new "daughter", one that she takes seriously, and her second duty is to Iris, who, while still not fully recovered from her surgery, climbs a pear tree, falls re-injures her hip, and is soon back in the hospital, leaving Maverick and Bridget alone on her ranch, and taking over Iris' regular duties, like teaching Sunday School at church, training those students for the upcoming Christmas recitals. baking Christmas cookies, and various other pre-Christmas duties, like putting up the tree, decorating the church, and more--and the plus side for Maverick is that Bridget now has to extend her stay at the ranch while Iris convalesces in a rehab facility.
It's not long before Bridget and Maverick act on their strong attraction to one another, but Bridget's first and foremost duty is to baby Laela, and, as she and Maverick are drawn to one another, Maverick is also drawn to adorable, little Laela. Although he's never been in love, and certainly never expected to be, he can't ignore his feelings for Bridget and Laela, and what follows is a lot of waffling--from Bridget, wondering how she could possibly leave her homeland, and not someday regret it, knowing that Granny Iris did just that to marry her late husband. If her relationship with Maverick deepens, will she someday regret leaving her homeland and come to resent him? There's even more waffling from Maverick, who, as an employee at another ranch, feels that he has nothing tangible to offer Bridget, and knowing that he's always specialized in one-night stands. While I usually complain about too much waffling in my book reviews, in the case of this novel, it worked for me. Leaving one's homeland is a major life decision, and it's not an easy decision to make. Bridget also has to wonder if Maverick's obvious love for baby Laela is stronger than his feelings for her. Since Maverick has a hard time expressing his deeper emotions, or even recognizing them, both characters act as adults should, considering all aspects of what their decisions will mean moving forward.
While this novel does use the love at first sight trope, this doesn't turn into an insta-love romance at all. The introspection of these principle characters made them feel real, and their depth of character, and the choices they face was, quite simply, a welcome relief from the usual insta-love, insta-lust in so many of the romance novels I've read. While the pace of this novel is slow and steady, the HEA ending is well worth the time it takes to get there. If you're looking for a heartwarming romance novel that will give you the warm fuzzies this Christmas, I am very happy to recommend this one.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
As the novel opens, Maverick Callahan steps into a pub on his last night in Ireland. He'd accompanied his Irish-born Granny, Iris, the woman who raised him, on a visit to her childhood home town, to see her lifelong best friend. It's at that pub where he meets and is charmed by the pretty, red-haired bartender, Bridget, and the two end up having a one-night stand, without even exchanging last names or phone numbers, but both wishing they'd met sooner.
One year later, Maverick is back on Granny Iris' ranch, she's had hip replacement surgery, her long-time ranch foreman is away, and Maverick has taken leave from his own job on another Texas ranch to help her out. Iris has also hired a housekeeper to help her with the cooking, cleaning and other household chores, and Maverick is shocked to discover that the new housekeeper is Bridget, who turns out to be the granddaughter of the best friend Iris visited in Ireland, and Bridget is not alone--she has an adorable baby girl, Laela, with her, one who looks an awful lot like Maverick. No, wes oon learn that it's not Maverick's child, it's Bridget's goddaughter, the daughter of her best friend and fellow bartender, Deirdre, and Deirdre's boyfriend, Jimmy, both of whom died in a tragic car accident, and, having no other family to take custody of Laela, leaving Bridget to raise Laela alone.
In the past year, both Bridget and Maverick have not forgotten their attraction for one another,and both have regretted not exchanging contact information. They haven't met anyone since who elicited the same spark in either of them, yet Bridget is due to return to Ireland for Christmas, and although the attraction between these two is palpable, neither wants Granny Iris to know about their one-night stand, or their still strong attraction to one another. Additionally, Bridget's first duty is to her new "daughter", one that she takes seriously, and her second duty is to Iris, who, while still not fully recovered from her surgery, climbs a pear tree, falls re-injures her hip, and is soon back in the hospital, leaving Maverick and Bridget alone on her ranch, and taking over Iris' regular duties, like teaching Sunday School at church, training those students for the upcoming Christmas recitals. baking Christmas cookies, and various other pre-Christmas duties, like putting up the tree, decorating the church, and more--and the plus side for Maverick is that Bridget now has to extend her stay at the ranch while Iris convalesces in a rehab facility.
It's not long before Bridget and Maverick act on their strong attraction to one another, but Bridget's first and foremost duty is to baby Laela, and, as she and Maverick are drawn to one another, Maverick is also drawn to adorable, little Laela. Although he's never been in love, and certainly never expected to be, he can't ignore his feelings for Bridget and Laela, and what follows is a lot of waffling--from Bridget, wondering how she could possibly leave her homeland, and not someday regret it, knowing that Granny Iris did just that to marry her late husband. If her relationship with Maverick deepens, will she someday regret leaving her homeland and come to resent him? There's even more waffling from Maverick, who, as an employee at another ranch, feels that he has nothing tangible to offer Bridget, and knowing that he's always specialized in one-night stands. While I usually complain about too much waffling in my book reviews, in the case of this novel, it worked for me. Leaving one's homeland is a major life decision, and it's not an easy decision to make. Bridget also has to wonder if Maverick's obvious love for baby Laela is stronger than his feelings for her. Since Maverick has a hard time expressing his deeper emotions, or even recognizing them, both characters act as adults should, considering all aspects of what their decisions will mean moving forward.
While this novel does use the love at first sight trope, this doesn't turn into an insta-love romance at all. The introspection of these principle characters made them feel real, and their depth of character, and the choices they face was, quite simply, a welcome relief from the usual insta-love, insta-lust in so many of the romance novels I've read. While the pace of this novel is slow and steady, the HEA ending is well worth the time it takes to get there. If you're looking for a heartwarming romance novel that will give you the warm fuzzies this Christmas, I am very happy to recommend this one.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
September 19, 2019
Book Info
Paperback, 448 pages
Expected publication: September 24th 2019 by Forever
ISBN 1538748746 (ISBN13: 9781538748749)
Series Longhorn Canyon-Canyon #5
Other Editions (3)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Buy book from
AmazonB&N
A rugged Texas cowboy gets into the Christmas spirit to prove himself to the woman he loves in this heartwarming fifth novel of the USA Today bestselling series.
Maverick Callahan lives up to his reputation as a freewheeling cowboy. But a year ago he fell head-over-heels for an extraordinary woman he met while on vacation, a woman he was convinced he'd never see again. So when she appears on his doorstep like a Christmas miracle, Maverick is determined not to waste his lucky break.
Bridget O'Malley's world has flipped upside down. As the new guardian of her best friend's baby, she hasn't had a moment to think about the Texas rancher who broke her heart. He's just as sexy as ever, but she knows better than anyone that he's not the settling-down type. As the trees are trimmed and mistletoe hung, will some holiday magic help Bridget trust this carefree cowboy with her heart and her future?
Includes a bonus novella, "Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas" by Sara Richardson!
Christmas With A Cowboy- Longhorn Canyon Canyon #5 by Carolyn Brown
A matchmaking grandmother named Iris, a beautiful setting outside the small town of Daisy Texas and a set of circumstances that totally fit into a lead up to a romantic dance between a man and woman who thought their initial meeting the year before would be a once in a lifetime experience together.
I sometimes think that if life was really like a romance novel it would be even more complicated for some people or really simplified for others, especially when emotions manage to overrule logic when logic should be used instead.
For Bridget and Maverick at times things were very simple but then at others not so much, pretty typical of real life situations as it should be.
However as the two learn more about each other over the course of Christmas decorating, Sunday school teaching, choir practice with their 8 small charges and a few other one on one activities outside the bedroom life together seems more and more in the realm of a definite possibility.
Possibilities for their future that neither one expected come at an even faster rate when Granny Iris reveals her own plans for the Callahan Ranch and those plans ease the way for the couple even faster.
You will fall in love with the handsome dark haired tall drink of Texas cowboy Maverick Callahan, his granny Iris, red haired Irish beauty Bridget O'Malley, her very adorable 7-month-old daughter Laela, a dog named Ducky and a cat named Dolly as their own love story unfolds.
Second chances and new beginnings for all and a bright future outlook as well make this a very sweet Christmastime tale.
Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Sara Richardson-Rocky Mountain Riders #4.5
A COWBOY'S CHRISTMAS WISH
When bullfighter Tucker McGrath's mom suffers a minor heart attack just before Christmas, he decides it's time to redeem himself from the Ghost of Christmas Failures Past. Knowing how much his mom loves the town's annual Christmas pageant, he agrees to take her place as director even though he has zero experience wrangling kids. That's not the only complication with taking on the pageant, either. There's also the tempting but off limits local music teacher Kenna Hart.
A year after her husband's scandalous betrayal and their divorce, Kenna is doing her best to move forward and give her two boys a magical Christmas. When she volunteers to help with the pageant, she doesn't expect to reconnect with her old high school heartthrob. Tucker McGrath has always been Mr. No-Strings-Attached, so he's definitely not one to fall for...or is he? The more time she spends with him, the more Kenna realizes Tucker has changed. And now he might just be the cowboy who can make all of her Christmas wishes come true.
Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas-Rocky Mountain Riders #4.5 by Sara Richardson
Christmas is a time for reflection for many people as a New Year looms on the horizon with it’s promise of things to come.
For Tucker McGrath this Christmas is one that brings more than just reflection but also a chance to prove his ability to learn new things and help make things easier for his beloved Mother.
For Kenna Hart her first Christmas as a single mother with two young sons, 7-year-old Jack and 4-year-old Benny, to raise alone may be a second chance at love as well as the best Christmas she could think of for her children.
For both Kenna and Tucker this second chance also involves taking chances with their hearts in ways that neither planned nor wanted to but such plans are made to be broken, especially during the magic known as Christmas!
That is not to say their relationship did not start off easily nor did it run quite smoothly but even with road bumps the end reward was well worth their trouble.
New to me author Sara Richardson touched my heart and proved that people deserve the best life can offer even when they find it in unexpected ways at unexpected times with unexpected people.
Christmas, Cowboys, Love, New beginnings, Romance and Second Chances are an unbeatable combination!
Paperback, 448 pages
Expected publication: September 24th 2019 by Forever
ISBN 1538748746 (ISBN13: 9781538748749)
Series Longhorn Canyon-Canyon #5
Other Editions (3)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Buy book from
AmazonB&N
BOOK BLURB
A rugged Texas cowboy gets into the Christmas spirit to prove himself to the woman he loves in this heartwarming fifth novel of the USA Today bestselling series.
Maverick Callahan lives up to his reputation as a freewheeling cowboy. But a year ago he fell head-over-heels for an extraordinary woman he met while on vacation, a woman he was convinced he'd never see again. So when she appears on his doorstep like a Christmas miracle, Maverick is determined not to waste his lucky break.
Bridget O'Malley's world has flipped upside down. As the new guardian of her best friend's baby, she hasn't had a moment to think about the Texas rancher who broke her heart. He's just as sexy as ever, but she knows better than anyone that he's not the settling-down type. As the trees are trimmed and mistletoe hung, will some holiday magic help Bridget trust this carefree cowboy with her heart and her future?
Includes a bonus novella, "Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas" by Sara Richardson!
My Thoughts
Christmas With A Cowboy- Longhorn Canyon Canyon #5 by Carolyn Brown
A matchmaking grandmother named Iris, a beautiful setting outside the small town of Daisy Texas and a set of circumstances that totally fit into a lead up to a romantic dance between a man and woman who thought their initial meeting the year before would be a once in a lifetime experience together.
I sometimes think that if life was really like a romance novel it would be even more complicated for some people or really simplified for others, especially when emotions manage to overrule logic when logic should be used instead.
For Bridget and Maverick at times things were very simple but then at others not so much, pretty typical of real life situations as it should be.
However as the two learn more about each other over the course of Christmas decorating, Sunday school teaching, choir practice with their 8 small charges and a few other one on one activities outside the bedroom life together seems more and more in the realm of a definite possibility.
Possibilities for their future that neither one expected come at an even faster rate when Granny Iris reveals her own plans for the Callahan Ranch and those plans ease the way for the couple even faster.
You will fall in love with the handsome dark haired tall drink of Texas cowboy Maverick Callahan, his granny Iris, red haired Irish beauty Bridget O'Malley, her very adorable 7-month-old daughter Laela, a dog named Ducky and a cat named Dolly as their own love story unfolds.
Second chances and new beginnings for all and a bright future outlook as well make this a very sweet Christmastime tale.
BOOK BLURB
Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Sara Richardson-Rocky Mountain Riders #4.5
A COWBOY'S CHRISTMAS WISH
When bullfighter Tucker McGrath's mom suffers a minor heart attack just before Christmas, he decides it's time to redeem himself from the Ghost of Christmas Failures Past. Knowing how much his mom loves the town's annual Christmas pageant, he agrees to take her place as director even though he has zero experience wrangling kids. That's not the only complication with taking on the pageant, either. There's also the tempting but off limits local music teacher Kenna Hart.
A year after her husband's scandalous betrayal and their divorce, Kenna is doing her best to move forward and give her two boys a magical Christmas. When she volunteers to help with the pageant, she doesn't expect to reconnect with her old high school heartthrob. Tucker McGrath has always been Mr. No-Strings-Attached, so he's definitely not one to fall for...or is he? The more time she spends with him, the more Kenna realizes Tucker has changed. And now he might just be the cowboy who can make all of her Christmas wishes come true.
My Thoughts
Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas-Rocky Mountain Riders #4.5 by Sara Richardson
Christmas is a time for reflection for many people as a New Year looms on the horizon with it’s promise of things to come.
For Tucker McGrath this Christmas is one that brings more than just reflection but also a chance to prove his ability to learn new things and help make things easier for his beloved Mother.
For Kenna Hart her first Christmas as a single mother with two young sons, 7-year-old Jack and 4-year-old Benny, to raise alone may be a second chance at love as well as the best Christmas she could think of for her children.
For both Kenna and Tucker this second chance also involves taking chances with their hearts in ways that neither planned nor wanted to but such plans are made to be broken, especially during the magic known as Christmas!
That is not to say their relationship did not start off easily nor did it run quite smoothly but even with road bumps the end reward was well worth their trouble.
New to me author Sara Richardson touched my heart and proved that people deserve the best life can offer even when they find it in unexpected ways at unexpected times with unexpected people.
Christmas, Cowboys, Love, New beginnings, Romance and Second Chances are an unbeatable combination!
[EArc from Netgalley]
January 30, 2020
Man, I wish I could go back in time and DNF this thing.
You know how you sit down with a book and read about something happening? Guess what, it's not true in this one! Hundreds and hundreds of pages and nothing!
So our couple meets in Ireland on Maverick's last night there. Bridget and him apparently hit it off. They spend the whole night talking. About what? Who knows. That whole part flies by, but I guess they really enjoyed it. Then they go to her place and apparently have amazing sex. Again, not too sure if it's amazing, because we just get told they did it. For some reason, the author skipped over all this stuff that could have actually made this book a romance.
Here's what we get instead:
Bridget's friend (that we never meet) dies and leaves her a kid. She travels to America to work for Maverick's Grandma. Bridget complains about not being able to go out and party because now she has to take care of a kid. She assumes Maverick would never want to give up his partying lifestyle (although there is no real indication that he has a partying lifestyle - he goes to a bar once after Bridget comes to the US). Bridget gets irrationally jealous every time a woman so much as exists in Maverick's air space. Maverick contemplates being a father. Bridget debates about going back to Ireland. They go to church - a lot. They visit Maverick's grandma at the rehab facility. They decorate things for Christmas. They make Christmas cookies. Bridget talks to her friend in Ireland on the phone about boxes. And the MCs have one two-page sexual encounter.
Is there a story in that? If there is, I can't find it.
Honestly, this whole book is just rambling nothingness. I feel nothing for the MCs because they don't do anything and they have no personalities. There's no story here. No rising action, no climax. It's just boring blah.
I DNF'd the last book I tried to read by this author, and after this, I won't even bother to attempt another.
You know how you sit down with a book and read about something happening? Guess what, it's not true in this one! Hundreds and hundreds of pages and nothing!
So our couple meets in Ireland on Maverick's last night there. Bridget and him apparently hit it off. They spend the whole night talking. About what? Who knows. That whole part flies by, but I guess they really enjoyed it. Then they go to her place and apparently have amazing sex. Again, not too sure if it's amazing, because we just get told they did it. For some reason, the author skipped over all this stuff that could have actually made this book a romance.
Here's what we get instead:
Bridget's friend (that we never meet) dies and leaves her a kid. She travels to America to work for Maverick's Grandma. Bridget complains about not being able to go out and party because now she has to take care of a kid. She assumes Maverick would never want to give up his partying lifestyle (although there is no real indication that he has a partying lifestyle - he goes to a bar once after Bridget comes to the US). Bridget gets irrationally jealous every time a woman so much as exists in Maverick's air space. Maverick contemplates being a father. Bridget debates about going back to Ireland. They go to church - a lot. They visit Maverick's grandma at the rehab facility. They decorate things for Christmas. They make Christmas cookies. Bridget talks to her friend in Ireland on the phone about boxes. And the MCs have one two-page sexual encounter.
Is there a story in that? If there is, I can't find it.
Honestly, this whole book is just rambling nothingness. I feel nothing for the MCs because they don't do anything and they have no personalities. There's no story here. No rising action, no climax. It's just boring blah.
I DNF'd the last book I tried to read by this author, and after this, I won't even bother to attempt another.
October 28, 2019
I am so glad that I am finally done with this book and can move on to the next one. Geesh!! What a drag this book was!! This story dragged on and on. In spite of the dragging feet, it kept me interested 30% of the time. I wouldn’t necessarily call this a bad book, but I will state that this book and this author style of writing is not for me. I will tell you more about that later, but first let's celebrate the wonderful season of Christmas romance. This story takes place around Christmas and the cover is absolutely beautiful.
Maverick is in Ireland with his Nana when he strolls in a pub and meets red-headed cutie named Bridget. They hit off instantly and the connection they share is almost like love at first sight and I was there for it. One year later, Maverick is headed back to his home ranch to help out while his grandma heals from a recent hip surgery. He gets a Christmas surprise in the form of Bridget and a beautiful baby girl name Laela. Bridget and Mavericks grandmothers were childhood best friends and Bridget has come to the states to work on the ranch for Maverick's grandmother. The big question is whether they will succumb to the electric spark that they shared in Ireland and will Bridget stay in Texas to pursue love.
The characters Maverick and Bridget had chemistry and they both were afraid to take that leap with love. Bridget was a great character with a great heart. Bridget's best friend from Ireland had recently perished in a car accident and left behind an infant. Being that Bridget is the godmother, she was granted full custody and full responsibility for the adorable little girl. I liked Maverick too and I loved the family dynamic between him and his Nana. Speaking of Nana, she was a spicy old girl and she was very entertaining. She has tasked Bridge and Maverick with fulfilling her Christmas duties around time and for the church. The Christmas theme really shown through.
This is where the positives end because I did not enjoy myself because I was so bored. The romance was flat and the spice was absent. As I stated before, I liked Maverick and Bridget together, but this was a slow burn for sure. I, personally, will not be reading anymore books from this author because I am just not a fan of her writing style. This story was flat with no climax and I do not recommend it.
Maverick is in Ireland with his Nana when he strolls in a pub and meets red-headed cutie named Bridget. They hit off instantly and the connection they share is almost like love at first sight and I was there for it. One year later, Maverick is headed back to his home ranch to help out while his grandma heals from a recent hip surgery. He gets a Christmas surprise in the form of Bridget and a beautiful baby girl name Laela. Bridget and Mavericks grandmothers were childhood best friends and Bridget has come to the states to work on the ranch for Maverick's grandmother. The big question is whether they will succumb to the electric spark that they shared in Ireland and will Bridget stay in Texas to pursue love.
The characters Maverick and Bridget had chemistry and they both were afraid to take that leap with love. Bridget was a great character with a great heart. Bridget's best friend from Ireland had recently perished in a car accident and left behind an infant. Being that Bridget is the godmother, she was granted full custody and full responsibility for the adorable little girl. I liked Maverick too and I loved the family dynamic between him and his Nana. Speaking of Nana, she was a spicy old girl and she was very entertaining. She has tasked Bridge and Maverick with fulfilling her Christmas duties around time and for the church. The Christmas theme really shown through.
This is where the positives end because I did not enjoy myself because I was so bored. The romance was flat and the spice was absent. As I stated before, I liked Maverick and Bridget together, but this was a slow burn for sure. I, personally, will not be reading anymore books from this author because I am just not a fan of her writing style. This story was flat with no climax and I do not recommend it.
November 23, 2023
A year ago on a trip to Ireland with his grandmother, Texas cowboy Maverick Callahan finds himself in a one night stand with Irish bartender Bridget O’Malley. With only a picture to remember her by, he is certain he'll never see her again. That is, until he returns to his grandmother's ranch to help her after a hip surgery and finds Bridget there, in tow with a child, no less!
For Bridget, life has been nothing kind to her. After the deaths of her best friend and her husband, Bridget is given responsibility over their baby daughter, Laela. With the support of her grandmother, she makes it work, but when her grandmother dies she is left with nowhere to go. Thankfully, her grandmother's friend in America offered her a short term job to get her back on her feet. What are the odds that Bridget's grandmother and Maverick's knew each other?
Now close together once more, they must decide if the spark is worth kindling. Will Maverick give up his honky-tonk lifestyle and settle down with Bridget? Will Bridget leave her home behind for a man she met before her life turned upside down? She's a mom now, and she has to be certain Maverick will accept Laela as his own. Christmas with a Cowboy by Carolyn Brown explores their second chance at romance in the heart of Texas during the holidays.
With a cozy holiday setting, the charm of a picturesque Texas ranch, and a cute (yet still plausible) story line, this read would have been a perfect feel-good romance novel for the Christmas season if not for the extremely slow pacing. I often found myself skimming during slower chapters and wishing the writing was a bit more flowery. Otherwise, I really enjoyed how Maverick was portrayed. For the most part, I liked that he was good with Laela and his eventual willingness to communicate with Bridget via letter. Similarly, I loved seeing that Bridget started to make friends with people in Texas. While her character was rather boring, I appreciated that the author didn't stick her in a new place and not settle her in. This made her final decision much more satisfying and realistic. I also was glad the author hinted at sexual scenes but was not graphic. Overall, this was a cute read for people who enjoy the genre, but I otherwise would not recommend to a general audience.
Happy reading,
-Beppa
For Bridget, life has been nothing kind to her. After the deaths of her best friend and her husband, Bridget is given responsibility over their baby daughter, Laela. With the support of her grandmother, she makes it work, but when her grandmother dies she is left with nowhere to go. Thankfully, her grandmother's friend in America offered her a short term job to get her back on her feet. What are the odds that Bridget's grandmother and Maverick's knew each other?
Now close together once more, they must decide if the spark is worth kindling. Will Maverick give up his honky-tonk lifestyle and settle down with Bridget? Will Bridget leave her home behind for a man she met before her life turned upside down? She's a mom now, and she has to be certain Maverick will accept Laela as his own. Christmas with a Cowboy by Carolyn Brown explores their second chance at romance in the heart of Texas during the holidays.
With a cozy holiday setting, the charm of a picturesque Texas ranch, and a cute (yet still plausible) story line, this read would have been a perfect feel-good romance novel for the Christmas season if not for the extremely slow pacing. I often found myself skimming during slower chapters and wishing the writing was a bit more flowery. Otherwise, I really enjoyed how Maverick was portrayed. For the most part, I liked that he was good with Laela and his eventual willingness to communicate with Bridget via letter. Similarly, I loved seeing that Bridget started to make friends with people in Texas. While her character was rather boring, I appreciated that the author didn't stick her in a new place and not settle her in. This made her final decision much more satisfying and realistic. I also was glad the author hinted at sexual scenes but was not graphic. Overall, this was a cute read for people who enjoy the genre, but I otherwise would not recommend to a general audience.
Happy reading,
-Beppa
September 15, 2019
Christmas With a Cowboy is the latest offering by busy author Carolyn Brown. Set in small town Daisy, Texas about an hour outside of Amarillo at the Callahan Ranch, the story actually begins in County Cork, Ireland. Maverick Callahan has escorted his widowed grandmother to visit her lifelong friend Virgie back in Granny’s home country. On his last night there, Maverick meets and becomes intrigued by a fiery redhead named Bridget. After sharing some drinks, some food, and an intense, but out of character, night together, Bridget must hurry off to meet her Nana for church, leaving Maverick to leave on his own. They don’t exchange full names, phone numbers, or emails, but Maverick did snap a picture before she left.
A year later, Iris Callahan has needed knee surgery but refuses going to rehab, preferring to get help on her own. Her dear friend Virgie passed away earlier in the year and Virgie has left behind her dear granddaughter, Bridget. Bridget is reeling not only from her dear Nana’s passing, but also the loss in an accident of her best friend Deidre. As the godmother to Deidre’s baby girl Laela, Bridget has also been put in the place of instant mother. Iris decides the best way to help Bridget and honor her friend is to bring Bridget to Daisy as her live in caretaker. The fact that her grandson Maverick also comes home to help is just icing on her cake!
When Iris falls in church, she ends up back in the hospital and ultimately decides to go to the rehab center. This leaves Maverick and Bridget on their own at the ranch. The interplay between these characters as they sort through their feelings and futures is very real. Maverick’s feelings for Bridget are apparent, but his love for little Laela is palpable. How can they sort through so much before Christmas?
This is a delightful Christmas book with exceptionally well depicted characters in a romantic rural setting. It is the kind of story to curl up with under a warm blanket knowing the story will make you feel warm and fuzzy, just not sure how but along for the ride to find out. Plus, this book comes with a delightful novella titled Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Sara Richardson as an extra holiday gift! I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it wholeheartedly!
A year later, Iris Callahan has needed knee surgery but refuses going to rehab, preferring to get help on her own. Her dear friend Virgie passed away earlier in the year and Virgie has left behind her dear granddaughter, Bridget. Bridget is reeling not only from her dear Nana’s passing, but also the loss in an accident of her best friend Deidre. As the godmother to Deidre’s baby girl Laela, Bridget has also been put in the place of instant mother. Iris decides the best way to help Bridget and honor her friend is to bring Bridget to Daisy as her live in caretaker. The fact that her grandson Maverick also comes home to help is just icing on her cake!
When Iris falls in church, she ends up back in the hospital and ultimately decides to go to the rehab center. This leaves Maverick and Bridget on their own at the ranch. The interplay between these characters as they sort through their feelings and futures is very real. Maverick’s feelings for Bridget are apparent, but his love for little Laela is palpable. How can they sort through so much before Christmas?
This is a delightful Christmas book with exceptionally well depicted characters in a romantic rural setting. It is the kind of story to curl up with under a warm blanket knowing the story will make you feel warm and fuzzy, just not sure how but along for the ride to find out. Plus, this book comes with a delightful novella titled Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Sara Richardson as an extra holiday gift! I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it wholeheartedly!
August 26, 2019
Love at first sight
Texan Maverick Callahan accompanied his grandmother to Ireland and on the last day met Bridget O'Connor. It was love at first sight for both, but also an impossible situation. He was going back to Texas the next day and she would never leave her grandmother.
Fast forward a year, and Bridget has suffered terrible losses. Two of her best friends died leaving her with a tiny infant, followed swiftly by her grandmother's death, leaving her not only alone, but soon to be homeless too.
Enter Iris Callahan, Maverick's grandma and Bridget's grandmother's best childhood friend. When she learns of Bridget's plight, she offers salvation in the form of a temporary job, with room and board.
When they reconnect, they have no idea Iris was plotting for them to learn enough about each other to realize they were perfect for one another.
This sweet contemporary western romance is a page turner. It contains friends, family, sweet romance, sensual scenes and is peppered abundantly with humor.
I found it hard to put down when I had to.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC.....yessss...and recommend it to western romance and cowboy fans. It's a continuation in the wonderful Longhorn Canyon series.
Bonus
Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Sara Richardson
Kenna Hart's last year has been horrible. Her ex had committed insurance fraud against townspeople and she and her young boys had to live with everyone knowing what her did.
Tucker McGrath is here to help his mother Birdie set up her annual Christmas pageant and get home as quickly as possible. Avoiding Christmas had been his habit for years, ever since his father walked away just before Christmas.
Birdie has a medical issue and the pair must work closely together to make her pageant happen. As do the work they find the attraction they both wanted to ignore, was impossible to ignore. Helping each other with the pageant, birdie, the boys and other issues that cropped up demonstrated just how much they clicked. She decided a fling was just the thing to cheer her up and he decided a fling wasn't enough. To Birdie's delight they became a couple.
Texan Maverick Callahan accompanied his grandmother to Ireland and on the last day met Bridget O'Connor. It was love at first sight for both, but also an impossible situation. He was going back to Texas the next day and she would never leave her grandmother.
Fast forward a year, and Bridget has suffered terrible losses. Two of her best friends died leaving her with a tiny infant, followed swiftly by her grandmother's death, leaving her not only alone, but soon to be homeless too.
Enter Iris Callahan, Maverick's grandma and Bridget's grandmother's best childhood friend. When she learns of Bridget's plight, she offers salvation in the form of a temporary job, with room and board.
When they reconnect, they have no idea Iris was plotting for them to learn enough about each other to realize they were perfect for one another.
This sweet contemporary western romance is a page turner. It contains friends, family, sweet romance, sensual scenes and is peppered abundantly with humor.
I found it hard to put down when I had to.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC.....yessss...and recommend it to western romance and cowboy fans. It's a continuation in the wonderful Longhorn Canyon series.
Bonus
Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Sara Richardson
Kenna Hart's last year has been horrible. Her ex had committed insurance fraud against townspeople and she and her young boys had to live with everyone knowing what her did.
Tucker McGrath is here to help his mother Birdie set up her annual Christmas pageant and get home as quickly as possible. Avoiding Christmas had been his habit for years, ever since his father walked away just before Christmas.
Birdie has a medical issue and the pair must work closely together to make her pageant happen. As do the work they find the attraction they both wanted to ignore, was impossible to ignore. Helping each other with the pageant, birdie, the boys and other issues that cropped up demonstrated just how much they clicked. She decided a fling was just the thing to cheer her up and he decided a fling wasn't enough. To Birdie's delight they became a couple.
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