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Rocky Mountain Riders #6
A Cowboy for Christmas
Come home to Topaz Falls, Colorado, where the best way to spend Christmas is in the arms of a cowboy!
When the beloved Farm Café in Topaz Falls burns to the ground, widow Darla Michaels comes up with the perfect plan to help her friends rebuild -- a Cowboy Christmas Festival complete with a sexy bachelor auction and a benefit rodeo. But to pull it off, she has to pretend to be engaged to Ty Forrester, the irresistible bull rider who keeps testing her keep-things-casual policy.
A fake fiancée wasn't on Ty's Christmas list this year, but it's the only way to get his family to visit over the holidays so his NFL-star brother can draw more tourists to the festival. The engagement wouldn't be such a problem if Ty wasn't starting to have real feelings for Darla. Knowing he can't go on pretending, Ty prepares to tell his family the truth--but then he and Darla discover a precious little Christmas surprise that just might help them embrace a whole new life together.
: Includes a bonus story
When the beloved Farm Café in Topaz Falls burns to the ground, widow Darla Michaels comes up with the perfect plan to help her friends rebuild -- a Cowboy Christmas Festival complete with a sexy bachelor auction and a benefit rodeo. But to pull it off, she has to pretend to be engaged to Ty Forrester, the irresistible bull rider who keeps testing her keep-things-casual policy.
A fake fiancée wasn't on Ty's Christmas list this year, but it's the only way to get his family to visit over the holidays so his NFL-star brother can draw more tourists to the festival. The engagement wouldn't be such a problem if Ty wasn't starting to have real feelings for Darla. Knowing he can't go on pretending, Ty prepares to tell his family the truth--but then he and Darla discover a precious little Christmas surprise that just might help them embrace a whole new life together.
: Includes a bonus story
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 29, 2019
127 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Sara Richardson
25 books428 followersContemporary romance author Sara Richardson has been a communications manager, copy writer, magazine editor, and whitewater rafting guide. The day after graduating with a master’s degree in journalism, Sara realized she was too empathetic to be a journalist and starting writing her first novel instead. A lifelong fascination with true love quickly led her to the romance genre.
Her Heart of the Rockies series was published by Grand Central Forever in 2015. In 2016, her debut novel, No Better Man, was nominated for a RITA in the best first book category. Sara is passionate about writing stories that inspire people to believe in love and always enjoys connecting with readers. Learn more at www.sararichardson.com.
Her Heart of the Rockies series was published by Grand Central Forever in 2015. In 2016, her debut novel, No Better Man, was nominated for a RITA in the best first book category. Sara is passionate about writing stories that inspire people to believe in love and always enjoys connecting with readers. Learn more at www.sararichardson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
August 31, 2020
Many thanks to Estelle at Forever for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review
I'm so very good at reading books late. I got this book five months ago and I had planned to read it for Christmas.
But I finally read it and only five months late which is honestly not bad... for me.
My final rating is 3 stars because this was romantic and sweet but not perfectly so. It read like a Hallmark movie which was nice.
I recommend this one for those looking for a sweet, holiday book!
Happy reading!
------------
so many Christmas romances for me to read!!
love that for me
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October 8, 2019
When the town's cafe burns down Darla makes a plan to have a fundraiser to help raise money to build it back up. Even adding in a bachelor auction and cowboy calendar. She wants Ty's help and his brother but then has to pretend to be his fiance when his family comes to town. Darla and Ty have been friends with benefits for awhile. She does not want a relationship because she has been a widow for 10 years and does not want to lose someone again and have her heart hurt.
Ty's brother, Rhett, is a player in the NFL and a womanizer. Ty's parents don't miss to many of Rhett's games but have never ever gone to one of Ty's bull riding rodeos. Even when he has paid for their tickets. He feels like he isn't good enough and his brother is the favorite.
Then another surprise happens between Ty and Darla that will make them rethink where they stand with each other and their fake engagement.
This was such a fun read and once you get to know Ty, Darla, Rhett and the rest of Ty's family them things start to come together and the honesty starts.
I received this from Forever and NetGalley for an honest review.
Ty's brother, Rhett, is a player in the NFL and a womanizer. Ty's parents don't miss to many of Rhett's games but have never ever gone to one of Ty's bull riding rodeos. Even when he has paid for their tickets. He feels like he isn't good enough and his brother is the favorite.
Then another surprise happens between Ty and Darla that will make them rethink where they stand with each other and their fake engagement.
This was such a fun read and once you get to know Ty, Darla, Rhett and the rest of Ty's family them things start to come together and the honesty starts.
I received this from Forever and NetGalley for an honest review.
November 8, 2019
A familiar, but very enjoyable trope. A fake fiancée. Ty Forrester has always felt like second best to his parents. Although a big-time bull rider who definitely draws in the crowds, his parents have attended every game his NFL-star brother played. Ty will be hosting all of them for the holidays, but he tells them that he is engaged.
Why such a fabrication? Ty and Darla Michaels, a widow in Topaz Falls, are among the very good friends of a couple whose Café has burned down. Ty, Darla and members of this lovely town decide to put together a bachelor auction to raise funds to rebuild. With Ty's brother being a big sports star, they know they can draw in a ton of money. In so doing, Ty suggests to Darla that they pretend to be engaged when his parents and brothers arrive in town.
A problem brews instantly. Both Ty and Darla have feelings for one another, and any type of long-term relationship is not something Ty wants in his future. However, Darla has a secret - something that will affect both of them for the rest of their lives. Sadly, Ty experienced great tragedy in his past and now must find a way to push the past behind him so that he can not only be there for Darla, but actually find the precious joy of a shared love.
This is a wonderful story. Not only do readers get to see this couple fall deeply in love, but Ty's healing is very touching, as well as how the relationship with his family is strengthened.
Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Why such a fabrication? Ty and Darla Michaels, a widow in Topaz Falls, are among the very good friends of a couple whose Café has burned down. Ty, Darla and members of this lovely town decide to put together a bachelor auction to raise funds to rebuild. With Ty's brother being a big sports star, they know they can draw in a ton of money. In so doing, Ty suggests to Darla that they pretend to be engaged when his parents and brothers arrive in town.
A problem brews instantly. Both Ty and Darla have feelings for one another, and any type of long-term relationship is not something Ty wants in his future. However, Darla has a secret - something that will affect both of them for the rest of their lives. Sadly, Ty experienced great tragedy in his past and now must find a way to push the past behind him so that he can not only be there for Darla, but actually find the precious joy of a shared love.
This is a wonderful story. Not only do readers get to see this couple fall deeply in love, but Ty's healing is very touching, as well as how the relationship with his family is strengthened.
Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
December 3, 2019
I loved the idea of A Cowboy for Christmas. I absolutely love fake romances, and was so excited to read this one! Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me. It was cheesier than a Hallmark movie, and my eyes almost fell out of my head from all the eye rolling. For like the last 20% of the book, cheesy declaration after cheesy declaration was made. Darla was 7 weeks pregnant, and was already showing and cradling her tummy? Makes no sense to me. And I did not like all the bull riding talk. Maybe this was just too cowboy for me. I did absolutely LOVE Ty's parents. They were wonderful. I also loved Darla's friend, E (can't remember her name). But as for the rest of this, I was just not a fan. Darla bugged me, Ty seemed like a pushover, and most of the secondary characters were cookie cutters and not at all memorable. I'm so sad I didn't love it, but thank the publisher for the opportunity to read it!
October 29, 2019
A Cowboy for Christmas brings charm to chaos. Whether laughing your head off or crying your heart out, Richardson never ceases to deliver perfection. When two good-hearted people find themselves in over their heads and close to losing their hearts, it will take a bit of small town meddling to get them back on course. Darla and Ty are adorably, clueless. Caught up in the craziness, will they lose their chance at forever? Richardson blends old friends with new drama and delivers irresistible fun.
November 4, 2019
Christmas is a special time of year. It seems to put everyone in the mood to be more helpful and more kind than usual. But, sometimes it’s not just the Christmas spirit. Sara Richardson explores the idea of what a person might be willing to do for a friend in need in her latest novel in the Rocky Mountain Riders series. A Cowboy for Christmas starts with a devastating fire and features everything from a fake fiancé to a bachelor auction. Can a young widow find love in the midst of more cowboys than you can shake a stick at? It could take a Christmas miracle.
What I liked:
This one really hit the spot for me. Richardson has created a community in Topaz Falls that just makes you wanna pack up and move there yourself. It’s a small Colorado town that is big on the cowboy lifestyle and full of caring, genuine people. It’s the kind of town readers will fall in love with and want to know more. This is the sixth and final book in the Mountain Riders series and if it’s your first one, you will quickly go pick up the rest. The small town charm is just perfect for love.
Ty Forrester is a Cowboy, through and through. He is a rodeo rider and the head of the Rodeo Association. He’s a clean cut all around good person but he has a rocky relationship with his family to say the least. I really liked Ty because you can just feel his struggle with feeling second best to his NFL star brother. From the way his parents view his career choices to the way they treat his brother. I found myself really sympathizing with him when he lies to get them off his back about coming home for Christmas. But little white lies have a way of becoming big fat catastrophes. Ty was a great hero and full of heart.
Ty was a great leading man but I really had a heart for Darla. If you’ve read previous books in the series you have probably been hoping that Darla got her own book. I was too! And Richardson gave us what we wanted with this one. Darla’s struggle to move on with her life after the death of her husband really hits home. Grief has so many layers and seeing Darla try to always be the life of the party to hide her loneliness was heartbreaking. I loved that Richardson gave Darla a creative mind and a true heart for her friends. She was such a good character and she was so developed and full of life.
I never thought I would like Cowboy romances. Especially ones set in today’s world. But I’ve recently really started to enjoy them. Authors like Caripolyn Bown and Sara Richardson really bring this subgenre of romance to life. Richardson’s characters are just good people. Her attention to detail is flawless and it makes me as a reader really appreciate this type of life. The addition of the Cowboy festival from the bachelor auction to the calendar was just such a perfect idea. I want a festival like that in my town! Lol 😂
What I didn’t like:
Ok, I know I said I sympathized with Ty lying about being engaged and I really do. None of us are above saying something now and then to get us out of situations we don’t want to be in. Lying in general, not a good policy. In this book it sets up the story of why Darla and Ty need to pretend to be engaged and helps them along in finding love. But always remember honesty is the best policy.
I didn’t like Ty’s family. Even after they sort of make up. Ty is a good man. His brother is not. His parents clearly favor Rhett over Ty for no good reason. I know this often happens in real life and I accept that. But they were a real piece of work.
Bottom Line:
Overall this a great book and well deserving of the five apples I’m giving it. Heartwarming romance, great friendships, communities supporting their own. It was all good for me. The romance was spot on. The Cowboy festival was a perfect idea. Darla finding love. Ty reconciling with his family. You really want to read this one.
What I liked:
This one really hit the spot for me. Richardson has created a community in Topaz Falls that just makes you wanna pack up and move there yourself. It’s a small Colorado town that is big on the cowboy lifestyle and full of caring, genuine people. It’s the kind of town readers will fall in love with and want to know more. This is the sixth and final book in the Mountain Riders series and if it’s your first one, you will quickly go pick up the rest. The small town charm is just perfect for love.
Ty Forrester is a Cowboy, through and through. He is a rodeo rider and the head of the Rodeo Association. He’s a clean cut all around good person but he has a rocky relationship with his family to say the least. I really liked Ty because you can just feel his struggle with feeling second best to his NFL star brother. From the way his parents view his career choices to the way they treat his brother. I found myself really sympathizing with him when he lies to get them off his back about coming home for Christmas. But little white lies have a way of becoming big fat catastrophes. Ty was a great hero and full of heart.
Ty was a great leading man but I really had a heart for Darla. If you’ve read previous books in the series you have probably been hoping that Darla got her own book. I was too! And Richardson gave us what we wanted with this one. Darla’s struggle to move on with her life after the death of her husband really hits home. Grief has so many layers and seeing Darla try to always be the life of the party to hide her loneliness was heartbreaking. I loved that Richardson gave Darla a creative mind and a true heart for her friends. She was such a good character and she was so developed and full of life.
I never thought I would like Cowboy romances. Especially ones set in today’s world. But I’ve recently really started to enjoy them. Authors like Caripolyn Bown and Sara Richardson really bring this subgenre of romance to life. Richardson’s characters are just good people. Her attention to detail is flawless and it makes me as a reader really appreciate this type of life. The addition of the Cowboy festival from the bachelor auction to the calendar was just such a perfect idea. I want a festival like that in my town! Lol 😂
What I didn’t like:
Ok, I know I said I sympathized with Ty lying about being engaged and I really do. None of us are above saying something now and then to get us out of situations we don’t want to be in. Lying in general, not a good policy. In this book it sets up the story of why Darla and Ty need to pretend to be engaged and helps them along in finding love. But always remember honesty is the best policy.
I didn’t like Ty’s family. Even after they sort of make up. Ty is a good man. His brother is not. His parents clearly favor Rhett over Ty for no good reason. I know this often happens in real life and I accept that. But they were a real piece of work.
Bottom Line:
Overall this a great book and well deserving of the five apples I’m giving it. Heartwarming romance, great friendships, communities supporting their own. It was all good for me. The romance was spot on. The Cowboy festival was a perfect idea. Darla finding love. Ty reconciling with his family. You really want to read this one.
October 27, 2019
Received in exchange for a honest review.
I loved this book. I especially love Ty. He isn’t perfect but he doesn’t say he is. He doesn’t go around flaunting his success in the rodeo and he doesn’t act like he is more than he is. He is a hardworking man who wants a quiet life. It isn’t until Darla comes into his world that he realizes he wants more. He wants someone by his side and it is Darla he wants. He doesn’t realize this until they start to fake being engaged and he gets to know her. Really know her. He is a great guy and kind to boot so she could do a lot worse.
Darla is trying to get over a loss of a loved one still. Even if it has been 10 years she still is trying to go on. She doesn’t want more and doesn’t want anyone knowing her past. She also has friends who need her help as they also need Ty’s and the communities. To get this Ty’s brother is needed as is Ty but Ty has a secret as well. One Darla doesn’t really like but agrees to because of the future outcome. Her kindness and generous heart outweighs the consequences. The consequences of losing her heart to the sexy kind caring cowboy that is Ty. He is such a quiet and supportive prescence. So what happens? Their attraction shines through and the do fall in love but we have bumps along the way and Darla’s fear almost takes away what she can have. A life filled with happiness and love. Ty is so understanding and caring. He was willing to give up so much for her and yet she was going to give up out of fear. Good thing she realizes things before it’s to late.
the story is sexy, fun and whimsical at times. We see Darla and Ty go from mere attraction to friends and more. They learn about one another and become each other’s support systems. Darla helps Ty deal with his feelings towards his brother and how hurt he is by his family’s actions over the years and Ty helps Darla move on and move forward. They help one anther find happiness and peace but also love and happiness with one another. A great christmas tale full of love, friendship,family, giving and hope.
I loved this book. I especially love Ty. He isn’t perfect but he doesn’t say he is. He doesn’t go around flaunting his success in the rodeo and he doesn’t act like he is more than he is. He is a hardworking man who wants a quiet life. It isn’t until Darla comes into his world that he realizes he wants more. He wants someone by his side and it is Darla he wants. He doesn’t realize this until they start to fake being engaged and he gets to know her. Really know her. He is a great guy and kind to boot so she could do a lot worse.
Darla is trying to get over a loss of a loved one still. Even if it has been 10 years she still is trying to go on. She doesn’t want more and doesn’t want anyone knowing her past. She also has friends who need her help as they also need Ty’s and the communities. To get this Ty’s brother is needed as is Ty but Ty has a secret as well. One Darla doesn’t really like but agrees to because of the future outcome. Her kindness and generous heart outweighs the consequences. The consequences of losing her heart to the sexy kind caring cowboy that is Ty. He is such a quiet and supportive prescence. So what happens? Their attraction shines through and the do fall in love but we have bumps along the way and Darla’s fear almost takes away what she can have. A life filled with happiness and love. Ty is so understanding and caring. He was willing to give up so much for her and yet she was going to give up out of fear. Good thing she realizes things before it’s to late.
the story is sexy, fun and whimsical at times. We see Darla and Ty go from mere attraction to friends and more. They learn about one another and become each other’s support systems. Darla helps Ty deal with his feelings towards his brother and how hurt he is by his family’s actions over the years and Ty helps Darla move on and move forward. They help one anther find happiness and peace but also love and happiness with one another. A great christmas tale full of love, friendship,family, giving and hope.
November 8, 2020
https://openbooksociety.com/article/a...
A Cowboy for Christmas
Rocky Mountain Riders, Book #6
By Sara Richardson
ISBN: 9781538712290
Author Website: sararichardson.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Caro
Synopsis:
When the beloved Farm Café in Topaz Falls burns to the ground, widow Darla Michaels comes up with the perfect plan to help her friends rebuild — a Cowboy Christmas Festival complete with a sexy bachelor auction and a benefit rodeo. But to pull it off, she has to pretend to be engaged to Ty Forrester, the irresistible bull rider who keeps testing her keep-things-casual policy.
A fake fiancée wasn’t on Ty’s Christmas list this year, but it’s the only way to get his family to visit over the holidays so his NFL-star brother can draw more tourists to the festival. The engagement wouldn’t be such a problem if Ty wasn’t starting to have real feelings for Darla. Knowing he can’t go on pretending, Ty prepares to tell his family the truth–but then he and Darla discover a precious little Christmas surprise that just might help them embrace a whole new life together.
Review:
Darla Michaels hasn’t been completely honest with her book club friends at Topaz Falls. Once a month Darla attends a support group for grieving spouses, to which she drives miles to get to and in disguise. But one unfortunate day, Darla is finally caught by handsome bull rider, Ty Forrester.
Ty Forrester knew there was some kind of mystery surrounding Darla, but he never imagined that she had once been married and was a widow. Certentally not after having several intimate encounters. Darla is not ready to let anyone fully into her life and heart, especially when her late husband’s 10 year anniversary in coming up soon and days before Christmas.
“So buckle up, Buttercup. We’re about to get engaged.”
I loved this book, it’s the perfect ending for a great cowboy series! I started this series with book two, Comeback Cowboy, loved the romance and funny moments, but also felt empathy through the trials the characters went through and felt happy once they solved them and found their significant others. Throughout the series Darla was the mother figure of the book club girls that one could always go to, get delicious chocolate and wine, and get some good advice from. But the reader had no idea of the sorrow her heart felt.
This time it’s Darla’s turn to solve her trials and give the series a great ending. We not only learn about Darla, but we get to know more about Ty, a character always present since book three, yet a character we still had to know more about. Ty is considerate about Darla, how she feels and her past, which makes him a perfect match for her and the right person for her to give love a second chance.
And let us not forget about the great funny moments this book gave us! Who wouldn’t want to see the Cortez boys and all the other cowboys’ themed calendar? I think we need to start a petition for this calendar to be real.
“Sure. I’ve got a wish. Please let the women in charge of this calendar come to their senses and let us wear actual clothes.”
Being the last book in the series, we also get glimpses of what the previous characters are up to and a couple funny moments. The ending was amazing. I won’t spoil it, just know that it is something to look forward to. The Rocky Mountain Riders series made me laugh and cry a couple of times. I loved each book and their couples. I still can’t decide which one is my favorite, but I can tell you my favorite quote: “Leave Pork Chop at home and wear jeans”. If you need a new cowboy series to read for the holidays, or just a good read, then I recommend you this one. If you’re already reading the Rocky Mountain Riders, then hurry up and catch up to A Cowboy for Christmas, you’re missing out on a fun book!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
https://openbooksociety.com/article/a...
A Cowboy for Christmas
Rocky Mountain Riders, Book #6
By Sara Richardson
ISBN# 9781538712290
Author’s Website: http://www.sararichardson.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
Darla Michaels moved to Topaz Falls to start over after the devastating loss of her husband, Gray. She started her own business and made friends with the locals. She tried to hide her loss from the others because their pity was too much to bear. Instead, she makes herself the life of the party. However, she’s coming upon the ten-year anniversary of her loss. Those in her support group insist it’s the hardest anniversary.
Friends Everly and Mateo just lost their business is in a devastating fire. Darla has the perfect idea to raise money for them to help them out until they can get back on their feet. Have a benefit rodeo and bachelor auction! She just has to get the cowboys to participate! And, she knows just the one to get them onboard, Ty Forrester.
Ty also has a brother that’s in the NFL and Darla insists he come to bring in more tourists. The only problem is that Ty told his family he couldn’t come home for Christmas because he was newly engaged and his fiancé was too busy to get away! So, the only way they can get Rhett to attend is if Ty and Darla pretend to be engaged! Darla is willing to do anything for the cause and it’s not like the two haven’t been intimate before. However, she never expected Ty to have real feelings for her. As much as she’d love to give the cowboy a chance of making their relationship real, she just can’t take the chance of letting someone else in. She couldn’t handle losing another person she loves and Ty is a bull rider, one of the most dangerous professions of all!
Can Darla get past her fears and take a chance on love, or is she destined to be alone?
This is the first book from this series (or even this author) that I’ve read. Like most romances, this book can easily be read as a stand-alone, with no loss in storyline.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story, I figured it would be a little cheesy being a Christmas themed book. It wasn’t though. It started out strong. I really liked the characters. Darla has been through a lot and has really grown in her healing process. And, Ty was such a sweetie! I loved the interaction between the two.
However, as the book progressed, I did find myself losing interest as they tried to keep their fake relationship intact and Darla’s fears starting getting the best of her.
The storyline did pick back up at the end and the book had a sweet ending. I just wish there hadn’t been so much blah in the middle.
It was an okay read and it’s worth a try if you love cowboys and Christmas!
A Cowboy for Christmas
Rocky Mountain Riders, Book #6
By Sara Richardson
ISBN: 9781538712290
Author Website: sararichardson.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Caro
Synopsis:
When the beloved Farm Café in Topaz Falls burns to the ground, widow Darla Michaels comes up with the perfect plan to help her friends rebuild — a Cowboy Christmas Festival complete with a sexy bachelor auction and a benefit rodeo. But to pull it off, she has to pretend to be engaged to Ty Forrester, the irresistible bull rider who keeps testing her keep-things-casual policy.
A fake fiancée wasn’t on Ty’s Christmas list this year, but it’s the only way to get his family to visit over the holidays so his NFL-star brother can draw more tourists to the festival. The engagement wouldn’t be such a problem if Ty wasn’t starting to have real feelings for Darla. Knowing he can’t go on pretending, Ty prepares to tell his family the truth–but then he and Darla discover a precious little Christmas surprise that just might help them embrace a whole new life together.
Review:
Darla Michaels hasn’t been completely honest with her book club friends at Topaz Falls. Once a month Darla attends a support group for grieving spouses, to which she drives miles to get to and in disguise. But one unfortunate day, Darla is finally caught by handsome bull rider, Ty Forrester.
Ty Forrester knew there was some kind of mystery surrounding Darla, but he never imagined that she had once been married and was a widow. Certentally not after having several intimate encounters. Darla is not ready to let anyone fully into her life and heart, especially when her late husband’s 10 year anniversary in coming up soon and days before Christmas.
“So buckle up, Buttercup. We’re about to get engaged.”
I loved this book, it’s the perfect ending for a great cowboy series! I started this series with book two, Comeback Cowboy, loved the romance and funny moments, but also felt empathy through the trials the characters went through and felt happy once they solved them and found their significant others. Throughout the series Darla was the mother figure of the book club girls that one could always go to, get delicious chocolate and wine, and get some good advice from. But the reader had no idea of the sorrow her heart felt.
This time it’s Darla’s turn to solve her trials and give the series a great ending. We not only learn about Darla, but we get to know more about Ty, a character always present since book three, yet a character we still had to know more about. Ty is considerate about Darla, how she feels and her past, which makes him a perfect match for her and the right person for her to give love a second chance.
And let us not forget about the great funny moments this book gave us! Who wouldn’t want to see the Cortez boys and all the other cowboys’ themed calendar? I think we need to start a petition for this calendar to be real.
“Sure. I’ve got a wish. Please let the women in charge of this calendar come to their senses and let us wear actual clothes.”
Being the last book in the series, we also get glimpses of what the previous characters are up to and a couple funny moments. The ending was amazing. I won’t spoil it, just know that it is something to look forward to. The Rocky Mountain Riders series made me laugh and cry a couple of times. I loved each book and their couples. I still can’t decide which one is my favorite, but I can tell you my favorite quote: “Leave Pork Chop at home and wear jeans”. If you need a new cowboy series to read for the holidays, or just a good read, then I recommend you this one. If you’re already reading the Rocky Mountain Riders, then hurry up and catch up to A Cowboy for Christmas, you’re missing out on a fun book!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
https://openbooksociety.com/article/a...
A Cowboy for Christmas
Rocky Mountain Riders, Book #6
By Sara Richardson
ISBN# 9781538712290
Author’s Website: http://www.sararichardson.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
Darla Michaels moved to Topaz Falls to start over after the devastating loss of her husband, Gray. She started her own business and made friends with the locals. She tried to hide her loss from the others because their pity was too much to bear. Instead, she makes herself the life of the party. However, she’s coming upon the ten-year anniversary of her loss. Those in her support group insist it’s the hardest anniversary.
Friends Everly and Mateo just lost their business is in a devastating fire. Darla has the perfect idea to raise money for them to help them out until they can get back on their feet. Have a benefit rodeo and bachelor auction! She just has to get the cowboys to participate! And, she knows just the one to get them onboard, Ty Forrester.
Ty also has a brother that’s in the NFL and Darla insists he come to bring in more tourists. The only problem is that Ty told his family he couldn’t come home for Christmas because he was newly engaged and his fiancé was too busy to get away! So, the only way they can get Rhett to attend is if Ty and Darla pretend to be engaged! Darla is willing to do anything for the cause and it’s not like the two haven’t been intimate before. However, she never expected Ty to have real feelings for her. As much as she’d love to give the cowboy a chance of making their relationship real, she just can’t take the chance of letting someone else in. She couldn’t handle losing another person she loves and Ty is a bull rider, one of the most dangerous professions of all!
Can Darla get past her fears and take a chance on love, or is she destined to be alone?
This is the first book from this series (or even this author) that I’ve read. Like most romances, this book can easily be read as a stand-alone, with no loss in storyline.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story, I figured it would be a little cheesy being a Christmas themed book. It wasn’t though. It started out strong. I really liked the characters. Darla has been through a lot and has really grown in her healing process. And, Ty was such a sweetie! I loved the interaction between the two.
However, as the book progressed, I did find myself losing interest as they tried to keep their fake relationship intact and Darla’s fears starting getting the best of her.
The storyline did pick back up at the end and the book had a sweet ending. I just wish there hadn’t been so much blah in the middle.
It was an okay read and it’s worth a try if you love cowboys and Christmas!
October 3, 2019
#AcowboyForChristmas #NetGalley
Really great book that shows true generosity and Christmas spirit. It also gives a really good portrayal of a broken family and how to heal. It does get really steamy in places.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Really great book that shows true generosity and Christmas spirit. It also gives a really good portrayal of a broken family and how to heal. It does get really steamy in places.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
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December 2, 2019Christmas wish for Amy : A cowboy. Actually. Ty from A Cowboy for Christmas to be more specific
January 3, 2025
The book starts out with the heroine wearing a wig and acting all sneaky; you think she’s doing something illegal or at least interesting, but nope. It’s just for a bereavement group. This was very dramatic and unnecessary and she never even told her friends or family she was in a bereavement group so what was the point. Her friends were supportive so I have no idea why she kept this from them. Made no sense.
I found the heroine and hero to be insensitive towards their friends after the fire, particularly the heroine when she has suffered grief herself. This was a completely unrealistic telling of someone losing everything in a fire.
I didn’t like that the MC’s relationship started off-page, before this story, so we don’t get to see that buildup or know how they are together. It was ridiculous how they’ve already hooked up, they’re pretending to be engaged so the heroine decides not to hookup anymore because they’ll get “distracted.” Wouldn’t that bring them closer and make the engagement look more realistic?
The hero tells his family he can’t come home for Christmas because he’s engaged. This seems very unrealistic for a grown man to lie about. Doesn’t he hardly see his family anyway? Seems like he could have gotten out of seeing them without lying. And that lie brought his family to his town and staying with him—the one thing he didn’t want—so what was the point??
His famous NFL brother meets his fiancé and is for some reason instantly suspicious. Yes, it is a fake engagement but what reason does he have to suspect that?
This wasn’t a good rendition of a fake dating trope. I’m not feeling it or the characters or the passion between them.
It was very irritating how the heroine kept getting sick and wouldn’t go to the doctors or realize what was wrong with her. So obvious and annoying. Even without the synopsis totally giving it away, which, why do synopses do that?? Completely ruin any surprise there would have been. It was also super annoying how she finds out she’s pregnant, she’s barely a month along and is already referring to her baby as “bean” and “peanut.” Give me a break. As others pointed out she would not be showing at that time. Even more nauseating, they name the baby “Graycie Faith.”
What a mouthful.
She also freaks when they can’t find the heartbeat on the monitor—when she is hardly pregnant—and the nurse says the monitors don’t pick up heartbeats that soon. They needed the ultrasound for that.
It was weird and unrealistic how some woman in town and his mom keep getting pictures of them kissing/making out. Who does that?? That is not normal. I would be highly uncomfortable if someone asked for a pic of me and my bf kissing/making out, especially his mom! Who wants to kiss in front of their parents??
She takes someone’s advice to own up to her fear, sleeps with Ty, is showing feelings for him,& then the next morning hears his friend died bull riding and realizes she doesn’t want that life with him. When was she going to?? She’s just been telling people they had no feelings for each other and then she’s thinking of life with him??
All this back and forth and wishy washiness was very irritating to read and made the heroine annoying.
‘That’s why life was easier without romantic relationships. She had no obligations, no expectations.
Yes, but is that really fulfilling?’
Suddenly mentions Ty had a friend who died bull riding. Suddenly mentioned Darla’s mom had cancer. This isn’t something you just casually mention or use as a plot device, while the heroine fills out paperwork at the doctors office.
Ty suddenly thinks he’ll teach his bambino how to fish and ride horses. Where did bambino come from?? He is not Italian.
‘“Do you regret marrying Gray?” his mom asked.
“No. God, of course not. He taught me how to love. How to be loved.” Yes, after he’d died, she’d gone through a phase of anger. Of wishing she’d never met him so she didn’t hurt, but she knew she wouldn’t be who she was without him.
“So was it worth it then?” Nora prodded. “Love? The risks? The pain?”
No one had ever asked her that. “It was worth it.” Every second she got to spend with Gray was worth it. Denying that would be denying the impact he’d had on her life.’
“The only safe place in the world is with someone you love. With someone who loves you.”
15 years his parents went avoiding going to see his bull riding. After one quick conversation he says he needs them there and they come. This book is SO unrealistic. You don’t go 15 years, the man’s entire rodeo career without seeing him ride ONCE. There is no way rancher parents are that afraid of him getting hurt that they avoid coming to see him,& without ever telling him the reason why, but go to his brother’s football games despite the risk of him being hurt playing. Bull riding comes with the territory of ranching families. This is not realistic at all. And even if his mom is scared—yet somehow not scared for her other son—wouldn’t his dad go to see him??
I was annoyed the first rodeo his parents ever came to and Darla gets cramps and has to go to the hospital before the end of the rodeo. He doesn’t accept his win in front of the crowd and they all have to rush to the hospital. And it’s because Darla ate too much. Massive eyeroll.
She doesn’t see her parents and she has a few close friends in town, so who is she really hiding the support group from? Her friends would definitely support her.
From a calendar, auction and rodeo they raised $53,000. Yeah right.
She didn’t tell her own parents about her birth or marriage.
Things were patched up too quickly with his brother. Very unrealistic. You don’t not get along for over a decade and suddenly everything’s patched up. This book is so unrealistic.
The one thing Everly wanted from the fire and wasn’t replaceable was the gold star on the tree that belonged to her grandma, and what do they find? The gold star. It supposedly makes wishes come true, & I think this is going to come into place later but it is never mentioned again.
Thank goodness there was another story at the end which accounted for the extra 100+ pages this story definitely did not need, so I got to finish earlier than I thought. I was MORE than ready to be done with this. This was a slog. I didn’t want to read it, kept making myself pick it up. Ugh, not a good read. Not interested in any more in this series or by this author if they’re like this one.
I won’t be keeping this book. I’ll be donating it to a local book shop.
Best quotes from the book:
‘How was he supposed to act? He was fake-engaged to a woman he was falling for.’
‘“I was wrong before. Based on the drive home, I assumed he didn’t know how to treat you, but he’s clearly head over heels.”
“What makes you say that?”
“I can tell how much he loves you. It’s obvious when he looks at you. He looks at you like he still can’t believe he found you.”’
I found the heroine and hero to be insensitive towards their friends after the fire, particularly the heroine when she has suffered grief herself. This was a completely unrealistic telling of someone losing everything in a fire.
I didn’t like that the MC’s relationship started off-page, before this story, so we don’t get to see that buildup or know how they are together. It was ridiculous how they’ve already hooked up, they’re pretending to be engaged so the heroine decides not to hookup anymore because they’ll get “distracted.” Wouldn’t that bring them closer and make the engagement look more realistic?
The hero tells his family he can’t come home for Christmas because he’s engaged. This seems very unrealistic for a grown man to lie about. Doesn’t he hardly see his family anyway? Seems like he could have gotten out of seeing them without lying. And that lie brought his family to his town and staying with him—the one thing he didn’t want—so what was the point??
His famous NFL brother meets his fiancé and is for some reason instantly suspicious. Yes, it is a fake engagement but what reason does he have to suspect that?
This wasn’t a good rendition of a fake dating trope. I’m not feeling it or the characters or the passion between them.
It was very irritating how the heroine kept getting sick and wouldn’t go to the doctors or realize what was wrong with her. So obvious and annoying. Even without the synopsis totally giving it away, which, why do synopses do that?? Completely ruin any surprise there would have been. It was also super annoying how she finds out she’s pregnant, she’s barely a month along and is already referring to her baby as “bean” and “peanut.” Give me a break. As others pointed out she would not be showing at that time. Even more nauseating, they name the baby “Graycie Faith.”
What a mouthful.
She also freaks when they can’t find the heartbeat on the monitor—when she is hardly pregnant—and the nurse says the monitors don’t pick up heartbeats that soon. They needed the ultrasound for that.
It was weird and unrealistic how some woman in town and his mom keep getting pictures of them kissing/making out. Who does that?? That is not normal. I would be highly uncomfortable if someone asked for a pic of me and my bf kissing/making out, especially his mom! Who wants to kiss in front of their parents??
She takes someone’s advice to own up to her fear, sleeps with Ty, is showing feelings for him,& then the next morning hears his friend died bull riding and realizes she doesn’t want that life with him. When was she going to?? She’s just been telling people they had no feelings for each other and then she’s thinking of life with him??
All this back and forth and wishy washiness was very irritating to read and made the heroine annoying.
‘That’s why life was easier without romantic relationships. She had no obligations, no expectations.
Yes, but is that really fulfilling?’
Suddenly mentions Ty had a friend who died bull riding. Suddenly mentioned Darla’s mom had cancer. This isn’t something you just casually mention or use as a plot device, while the heroine fills out paperwork at the doctors office.
Ty suddenly thinks he’ll teach his bambino how to fish and ride horses. Where did bambino come from?? He is not Italian.
‘“Do you regret marrying Gray?” his mom asked.
“No. God, of course not. He taught me how to love. How to be loved.” Yes, after he’d died, she’d gone through a phase of anger. Of wishing she’d never met him so she didn’t hurt, but she knew she wouldn’t be who she was without him.
“So was it worth it then?” Nora prodded. “Love? The risks? The pain?”
No one had ever asked her that. “It was worth it.” Every second she got to spend with Gray was worth it. Denying that would be denying the impact he’d had on her life.’
“The only safe place in the world is with someone you love. With someone who loves you.”
15 years his parents went avoiding going to see his bull riding. After one quick conversation he says he needs them there and they come. This book is SO unrealistic. You don’t go 15 years, the man’s entire rodeo career without seeing him ride ONCE. There is no way rancher parents are that afraid of him getting hurt that they avoid coming to see him,& without ever telling him the reason why, but go to his brother’s football games despite the risk of him being hurt playing. Bull riding comes with the territory of ranching families. This is not realistic at all. And even if his mom is scared—yet somehow not scared for her other son—wouldn’t his dad go to see him??
I was annoyed the first rodeo his parents ever came to and Darla gets cramps and has to go to the hospital before the end of the rodeo. He doesn’t accept his win in front of the crowd and they all have to rush to the hospital. And it’s because Darla ate too much. Massive eyeroll.
She doesn’t see her parents and she has a few close friends in town, so who is she really hiding the support group from? Her friends would definitely support her.
From a calendar, auction and rodeo they raised $53,000. Yeah right.
She didn’t tell her own parents about her birth or marriage.
Things were patched up too quickly with his brother. Very unrealistic. You don’t not get along for over a decade and suddenly everything’s patched up. This book is so unrealistic.
The one thing Everly wanted from the fire and wasn’t replaceable was the gold star on the tree that belonged to her grandma, and what do they find? The gold star. It supposedly makes wishes come true, & I think this is going to come into place later but it is never mentioned again.
Thank goodness there was another story at the end which accounted for the extra 100+ pages this story definitely did not need, so I got to finish earlier than I thought. I was MORE than ready to be done with this. This was a slog. I didn’t want to read it, kept making myself pick it up. Ugh, not a good read. Not interested in any more in this series or by this author if they’re like this one.
I won’t be keeping this book. I’ll be donating it to a local book shop.
Best quotes from the book:
‘How was he supposed to act? He was fake-engaged to a woman he was falling for.’
‘“I was wrong before. Based on the drive home, I assumed he didn’t know how to treat you, but he’s clearly head over heels.”
“What makes you say that?”
“I can tell how much he loves you. It’s obvious when he looks at you. He looks at you like he still can’t believe he found you.”’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2019
Darla Michaels is the owner of the Chocolate Therapist, a wine and chocolate bar. She's also a widow who hide her grief behind her smile because she doesn't want people to pity her. This Christmas, it'll be ten years since her husband died and everyone she knows who faced it before tell her it's one of the worst stage. But the weeks to come will bring many distractions for Darla, not so she can forget but it'll give her a chance to focus on something else. First, organize a Cowboy Christmas Festival, to help her friends raise money to rebuild the business they lost in a fire. The second one is named Ty.
Ty Forrester is a bull rider who long ago lost hope of getting more attention than his NFL- brother, whether it's with strangers or with his family. So why did he lied to them and pretended he have a fiancé? Well, now that he learned they're coming to Topaz Falls for Christmas, he needs someone to play the part and who else is better to do it than his friend and occasional bed mate, Darla ? There's just one problem with his plan. Ty wasn't supposed to fall in love and how can he convince her to let herself fall in love again?
Well I'm sad it's the last book in the series but I had a blast with these characters and the people in Topaz Falls, Colorado. In addition to the romances and love, this series is great for the friendship, the sense of community and family, even when it isn't always perfect between them and sometimes complicated. I find it very interesting that in this book, it's the guy who pretend to be engaged because I think it's the first time I read one where it's not the other way around. And don't go thinking that because the MC had already slept together that it will be less interesting to see them falling in love. I think that my favorite scene is when Ty and Darla ask each other what is the thing they appreciate best about the other. But the one where Ty's mother talk to the bull is certainly the funniest one.
I wouldn't mind having a thoughtful cowboy like Ty for Christmas 😉.
Ty Forrester is a bull rider who long ago lost hope of getting more attention than his NFL- brother, whether it's with strangers or with his family. So why did he lied to them and pretended he have a fiancé? Well, now that he learned they're coming to Topaz Falls for Christmas, he needs someone to play the part and who else is better to do it than his friend and occasional bed mate, Darla ? There's just one problem with his plan. Ty wasn't supposed to fall in love and how can he convince her to let herself fall in love again?
Well I'm sad it's the last book in the series but I had a blast with these characters and the people in Topaz Falls, Colorado. In addition to the romances and love, this series is great for the friendship, the sense of community and family, even when it isn't always perfect between them and sometimes complicated. I find it very interesting that in this book, it's the guy who pretend to be engaged because I think it's the first time I read one where it's not the other way around. And don't go thinking that because the MC had already slept together that it will be less interesting to see them falling in love. I think that my favorite scene is when Ty and Darla ask each other what is the thing they appreciate best about the other. But the one where Ty's mother talk to the bull is certainly the funniest one.
I wouldn't mind having a thoughtful cowboy like Ty for Christmas 😉.
October 17, 2019
A Cowboy for Christmas is a feel-good romance about a widow letting go of her past and opening herself to love and a damaged cowboy yearning for the unconditional love from a family.
Sara Richardson wrote another great book in the Rocky Mountain Riders series. It takes place in Topaz Falls where the community is family. This is where we meet Darla Michaels and Ty Forrester.
Darla is a wine and chocolate bar owner who is great at what she does. When her friend's cafe burns down, she decides to host a Cowboy Christmas Festival with a live cowboy auction to donate proceeds to her friends. She is so kind and compassionate but hasn't let many people in because of her past.
Ty is the broody and strong cowboy I loved reading about. He is a cowboy that has always felt second best to his brother. Because of a strained relationship with his family he tells them he won't be coming home for Christmas. When those plans change and finds out his family is traveling to see him for the holidays, he tells them he is engaged to Darla.
Darla has a secret that she hasn't told many. She is a widow so when Ty asks her to be his fake fiance she agrees knowing feelings won't be involved.
Of course, as she begins to spend more time with Ty it becomes harder to resist him. I really liked these two together. They had fun and when they kissed it was full of sparks.
Could they make it or would Darla's past dictate her future?
Overall, I thought this was a great romance about finding love when you least expect it. Sara Richardson always knows how to give me all the feels with her heartfelt and genuine novels.
Sara Richardson wrote another great book in the Rocky Mountain Riders series. It takes place in Topaz Falls where the community is family. This is where we meet Darla Michaels and Ty Forrester.
Darla is a wine and chocolate bar owner who is great at what she does. When her friend's cafe burns down, she decides to host a Cowboy Christmas Festival with a live cowboy auction to donate proceeds to her friends. She is so kind and compassionate but hasn't let many people in because of her past.
Ty is the broody and strong cowboy I loved reading about. He is a cowboy that has always felt second best to his brother. Because of a strained relationship with his family he tells them he won't be coming home for Christmas. When those plans change and finds out his family is traveling to see him for the holidays, he tells them he is engaged to Darla.
Darla has a secret that she hasn't told many. She is a widow so when Ty asks her to be his fake fiance she agrees knowing feelings won't be involved.
Of course, as she begins to spend more time with Ty it becomes harder to resist him. I really liked these two together. They had fun and when they kissed it was full of sparks.
Could they make it or would Darla's past dictate her future?
Overall, I thought this was a great romance about finding love when you least expect it. Sara Richardson always knows how to give me all the feels with her heartfelt and genuine novels.
October 29, 2019
I love the Rocky Mountain Riders series, and this addition did not disappoint!
When the beloved cafe in Topaz Falls burns down Darla is eager to come up with a plan to help her good friends rebuild the cafe. She decides on a Christmas Festival that will have a rodeo and a bachelor auction. She enlists her good friend Ty to help pull it all together. She tries to get Ty to bring his professional football playing brother to come to town and participate in the bachelor auction hoping it would help raise more money to help rebuild the cafe.
There is only one catch she will have to pretend to be engaged to Ty while his family is in town. Ty telling his family he is engaged is the only way he feels he can get them to come to Topaz Falls for the holidays. He feels the fake engagement should not be such a problem seeing as he has developed feelings for Darla, he is just hoping he does not get hurt in the process.
Will Darla develop feelings for Ty during the fake engagement. Will Ty end up telling everyone the truth.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
When the beloved cafe in Topaz Falls burns down Darla is eager to come up with a plan to help her good friends rebuild the cafe. She decides on a Christmas Festival that will have a rodeo and a bachelor auction. She enlists her good friend Ty to help pull it all together. She tries to get Ty to bring his professional football playing brother to come to town and participate in the bachelor auction hoping it would help raise more money to help rebuild the cafe.
There is only one catch she will have to pretend to be engaged to Ty while his family is in town. Ty telling his family he is engaged is the only way he feels he can get them to come to Topaz Falls for the holidays. He feels the fake engagement should not be such a problem seeing as he has developed feelings for Darla, he is just hoping he does not get hurt in the process.
Will Darla develop feelings for Ty during the fake engagement. Will Ty end up telling everyone the truth.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
October 30, 2019
A story that opens with the Topaz Falls café burning down. Darla Michaels wants to help her friends in rebuilding so she comes up with a cowboy Christmas festival, with a calendar, a cowboy auction and then a rodeo. She is looking for help from her friend and bull rider Ty Forrester for his brother Rhett is a pro football player and she knows that they will get more exposer that way. Not agreeing with her at first she finds out why and then agrees to be his fake fiancé. What no one knows and Ty finds out later is she was married before and has been a widow for ten years, but as Ty sees past all of that the more he becomes attached to Darla the more scared she becomes. Scared of losing someone again and everything begins to unravel. There are some surprises that are very nice and for the most part, you don’t even know that this story is a Christmas story until the auction. Overall a very good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
September 21, 2019
This is the sixth book in the Rocky Mountain Riders series, but can be read as a stand-alone book. Darla Michaels is a widow who is approach the ten year anniversary of her husband’s death. When her friends cafe is burned down, she decides that the community needs to work together to help them out. She enlists her friends with benefits, Ty Forrester, to raise money for them. Darla wants to have a bachelor auction with Ty and his fellow Rodeo stars, and Ty’s brother Rhett, who is in the NFL. Problem is Ty is tired of living in his brother’s shadow and he lied to his parents about why he couldn’t go home for Christmas. He told them he was engaged to Darla. Of course, this sets up the fake engagement so Rhett and the rest of the family will get behind the auction. Ty and Darla are an engaging couple. Ty is a great guy who has some Cain and Abel issues with his brother. Darla has put up some serious walls to protect her heart from the hurt she suffered from her husband’s death. Watching them work through their issues towards their happily ever after was well worth it. I have never read any book by this author, but this book makes me want to read the rest of this series. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
October 2, 2019
I just love a Christmas story and “A Cowboy for Christmas” hit all the emotions for me. If you are in the mood for a heartwarming, feel good story♥️ Christmas story, this is the one you should go pick up. Though this is #6 in the Rocky Mountain Series, you can certainly read it as a stand alone.
The two main characters are Darla and Ty, following their sweet romance.....you just can’t help but fall in love with them.
Many thanks to NetGallery, the publisher and author, Sara Richardson, for the opportunity to read and give my honest review about this book.
The two main characters are Darla and Ty, following their sweet romance.....you just can’t help but fall in love with them.
Many thanks to NetGallery, the publisher and author, Sara Richardson, for the opportunity to read and give my honest review about this book.
October 9, 2019
A sweet read that will have you falling in love with Ty, the cowboy, just like Darla did.
September 14, 2019
A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS by Sara Richardson is a sweet small town romance! I couldn't put this book down, I finished it at 4am! Definitely a five 🌟read!!! I'm going to miss the Rocky mountain riders but, I enjoyed Ty and Darla's story.
November 10, 2019
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year and Christmas romance novels are even better. I have read every book in the Rocky Mountain series and for the most part, it has kept me entertained with its hot cowboys and great heart felt stories. This story is a little different because it takes place during Christmas and it jumps right in the middle of Darla and Tye's relationship. Darla and Tye have a friends with benefits type of relationship, but what happens when someone catches feelings and thing get messy? Well, let's find out without spoilers, of course.
Tye is a bull rider and Darla owns a chocolate and wine shop in Topaz Falls. Topaz Falls is such a quant small town where everyone knows and helps everybody. After tragedy hits their friends hard, Tye and Darla jumps at the chance to help their friends by having a Christmas auction and exciting events. Tired of living in his brother's shadow, Tye tells his parents that he is engaged to be married and guess who the lucky fake bride is? You guessed it, Darla. In exchange for Tye's celebrity brother for participating in the auction and bringing big bucks, Darla has agreed to play Tye's fake fiance.
These characters are not that interesting and I think it's time to end this series because the characters have shriveled up and dried up. I know that's a harsh thing to say but I have to be honest. There was no character arc and they were flat from beginning to end. I was very underwhelmed with this story and it didn't have that Christmas charm that I was yearning for. I have followed this series from the start and I think that it is time to wrap it up. Darla was a side character that was initially not that interesting and that did not change. I honestly miss the Cortez brothers because they had a great story line and such an amazing arc.
Overall, the story was okay and I really wanted to see how their relationship would progress. When everything came to fruition, my ears perked up because they were dancing around each other for so long. They had chemistry and they had such great greats for their friends. I also liked the fact that Darla was dealing with a great loss and she learned to accept that.
The author should have done a prologue of their first meeting because their relationship seems spacey and things are missing. It was touched on in the previous installments, but not enough to warrant a stand alone book. This was the weakest installment and I will not be reading anymore books in this series. It was a great ride while it lasted though.
Tye is a bull rider and Darla owns a chocolate and wine shop in Topaz Falls. Topaz Falls is such a quant small town where everyone knows and helps everybody. After tragedy hits their friends hard, Tye and Darla jumps at the chance to help their friends by having a Christmas auction and exciting events. Tired of living in his brother's shadow, Tye tells his parents that he is engaged to be married and guess who the lucky fake bride is? You guessed it, Darla. In exchange for Tye's celebrity brother for participating in the auction and bringing big bucks, Darla has agreed to play Tye's fake fiance.
These characters are not that interesting and I think it's time to end this series because the characters have shriveled up and dried up. I know that's a harsh thing to say but I have to be honest. There was no character arc and they were flat from beginning to end. I was very underwhelmed with this story and it didn't have that Christmas charm that I was yearning for. I have followed this series from the start and I think that it is time to wrap it up. Darla was a side character that was initially not that interesting and that did not change. I honestly miss the Cortez brothers because they had a great story line and such an amazing arc.
Overall, the story was okay and I really wanted to see how their relationship would progress. When everything came to fruition, my ears perked up because they were dancing around each other for so long. They had chemistry and they had such great greats for their friends. I also liked the fact that Darla was dealing with a great loss and she learned to accept that.
The author should have done a prologue of their first meeting because their relationship seems spacey and things are missing. It was touched on in the previous installments, but not enough to warrant a stand alone book. This was the weakest installment and I will not be reading anymore books in this series. It was a great ride while it lasted though.
November 27, 2019
4 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Hometown Cowboy (Rocky Mountain Riders #1)
Comeback Cowboy (Rocky Mountain Riders #2)
Renegade Cowboy (Rocky Mountain Riders, #3)
True-Blue Cowboy (Rocky Mountain Riders, #4)
Colorado Cowboy (Rocky Mountain Riders #5)
This is Darla and Ty’s story. Darla has a plan but in order to achieve it she is going to need Ty to act as her fake fiancee. Ty wants more with Darla but she is pushing back. What happens when a little suprise happens will it finally change the way they both look at the future?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Hometown Cowboy (Rocky Mountain Riders #1)
Comeback Cowboy (Rocky Mountain Riders #2)
Renegade Cowboy (Rocky Mountain Riders, #3)
True-Blue Cowboy (Rocky Mountain Riders, #4)
Colorado Cowboy (Rocky Mountain Riders #5)
This is Darla and Ty’s story. Darla has a plan but in order to achieve it she is going to need Ty to act as her fake fiancee. Ty wants more with Darla but she is pushing back. What happens when a little suprise happens will it finally change the way they both look at the future?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
January 3, 2021
It was great for a bit but then it got super predictable and I stopped reading. I knew she was pregnant at her first bout of nausea so waiting another 150 or so pages for her to have a doctor tell her that was annoying. And the constant one step forward, five steps back was annoying. Plus, once she found out she was pregnant, I knew how the rest of the book would go so I didn't have to read it.
Hide pregnancy, finish fundraiser, he finds out from someone, make up and baby born, he reconciles with family, HEA
Hide pregnancy, finish fundraiser, he finds out from someone, make up and baby born, he reconciles with family, HEA
November 2, 2019
A Cowboy For Christmas is the sixth book in Sara Richardson's Rocky Mountain Riders series. If you've read the previous books, you'll enjoy catching up with the prior couples in this series. If you haven't, no problem! This one stands alone perfectly. It's a great book to help you get into the holiday spirit, which is quickly approaching.
When the popular restaurant her friends own burns to the ground close to Christmas, Darla Michaels decides to organize a Christmas cowboy festival to help them out. She ropes in all her friends to assist, including bull rider Ty Forrester. Ty is her "friend with benefits"; they decide to pretend to be engaged so Ty's family, including his NFL superstar brother Rhett, will come, as he will be a big draw for the bachelor auction. Their plan is working, until Ty wants something more than fake, and Darla is running scared. Can they pull this off?
This fun and frothy holiday romance has some serious undertones to give it depth. Darla was widowed ten years ago but keeps it to herself, going as far as sneaking out of town to attend grief support meetings. She does not want to let anyone in very close and has no desire to love again...it hurt too much to lose her beloved husband and doesn't want to open herself up to the pain of losing another again. Then there's Ty, who has family issues. He has always been in competition with his brother, and he believes his parents chose his brother over him. Why else would they go to Rhett's games, but would never attend any of HIS competitions? Ty learns that not all is as it appears. The family dynamics here were really touching, and Ty's mother is a hoot. When Darla and Ty discover something special between them, will Darla keep running from her heart? Visit lovely Topaz Falls and experience the laughter and tears this holiday story invokes.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
When the popular restaurant her friends own burns to the ground close to Christmas, Darla Michaels decides to organize a Christmas cowboy festival to help them out. She ropes in all her friends to assist, including bull rider Ty Forrester. Ty is her "friend with benefits"; they decide to pretend to be engaged so Ty's family, including his NFL superstar brother Rhett, will come, as he will be a big draw for the bachelor auction. Their plan is working, until Ty wants something more than fake, and Darla is running scared. Can they pull this off?
This fun and frothy holiday romance has some serious undertones to give it depth. Darla was widowed ten years ago but keeps it to herself, going as far as sneaking out of town to attend grief support meetings. She does not want to let anyone in very close and has no desire to love again...it hurt too much to lose her beloved husband and doesn't want to open herself up to the pain of losing another again. Then there's Ty, who has family issues. He has always been in competition with his brother, and he believes his parents chose his brother over him. Why else would they go to Rhett's games, but would never attend any of HIS competitions? Ty learns that not all is as it appears. The family dynamics here were really touching, and Ty's mother is a hoot. When Darla and Ty discover something special between them, will Darla keep running from her heart? Visit lovely Topaz Falls and experience the laughter and tears this holiday story invokes.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
October 24, 2019
This author always has a way of hooking me immediately into her stories. As much as I was enjoying this book, this one didn’t seem to hook me right away. I was invested in the story and characters and wanted to keep reading, but didn’t feel the overwhelming need to keep reading until the end. Then, a switch was flipped about the time Darla and Ty were heading to the airport to get his parents. I got so immersed in their tale I just didn’t want to put the book down.
Throughout the whole story I had butterflies. Sometimes that had to do with the obvious chemistry between the characters. Sometimes it was the heartbreak I would feel for one or both of them. Not only were they hurting each other (albeit not on purpose), but they were both dealing with past hurts. I will admit I didn’t expect to like Ty’s parents, just as Darla didn’t expect to like them. Not only did they surprise us both, but it was hard for me to understand how they treated Ty as compared to how the treated his brother, Rhett. Especially when Ty is such an obviously good person and his brother…is not.
Being around Ty’s family really helps cement a lot of the feelings Darla has been denying when it comes to Ty. But she has to figure out a way to accept that she has feelings and what that means. And if she’s going to let things go further and become real.
I love this story so much. Not only does Darla learn to live again, but Ty gets his family back. Ty’s parents definitely did not handle things with him and his career correctly, but he finally understands their actions and learns to see things from a different perspective.
While I’m sad this is the last of this series, I’m looking forward to what Sara Richardson has in store for us next.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
You can read more of my reviews at All In Good Time.
Throughout the whole story I had butterflies. Sometimes that had to do with the obvious chemistry between the characters. Sometimes it was the heartbreak I would feel for one or both of them. Not only were they hurting each other (albeit not on purpose), but they were both dealing with past hurts. I will admit I didn’t expect to like Ty’s parents, just as Darla didn’t expect to like them. Not only did they surprise us both, but it was hard for me to understand how they treated Ty as compared to how the treated his brother, Rhett. Especially when Ty is such an obviously good person and his brother…is not.
Being around Ty’s family really helps cement a lot of the feelings Darla has been denying when it comes to Ty. But she has to figure out a way to accept that she has feelings and what that means. And if she’s going to let things go further and become real.
I love this story so much. Not only does Darla learn to live again, but Ty gets his family back. Ty’s parents definitely did not handle things with him and his career correctly, but he finally understands their actions and learns to see things from a different perspective.
While I’m sad this is the last of this series, I’m looking forward to what Sara Richardson has in store for us next.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
You can read more of my reviews at All In Good Time.
April 11, 2021
I was going to give this book a 4, but we miss months of Ty and Darla's story before this one takes place. By the time this book starts, they've already hooked up a couple times and of course, . So even though they do fall in love in this book, Ty was already halfway to love before this one starts. I did find them cute as a couple, I just needed to feel that connection a bit more.
Darla is the widowed chocolate wine therapy bar owner. She's friends with everyone in town, but keeps herself closed-off to love because of the heartache she experienced when her husband died. Ty is the cowboy/bull rider that has always made us smile in previous books. But in this book we see that he has a really soft side and is adorable. He's been 2nd best to his NFL star brother, Rhett, in the eyes of his parents, or so he thinks. So when Darla suggests he get his brother to town to participate in a fundraising bachelor auction, he's hesitant. He'll only agree to it though if Darla agrees to be his fake fiancé since he kind of told his parents he was engaged. So that's how this book starts out.
We get to see the vulnerable side of Darla and see how she heals from losing the love her life 10 years ago. It was heartbreaking at times to see the pain she still experienced from his loss. But I loved that Ty was able to help her break through that pain and open herself to love.
Ty was definitely more patient than I could ever be with Darla. He stood by her side, even when she was trying to keep him at arms length. He was a bit of a pushover because of that and I felt like he kept giving up his happiness to appease her fears.
In the end, they get their HEA and it's cute. The epilogue left out what happened with Rhett and his lady friend (and I don't see a book about them), which was disappointing since the author kind of played up a possible romance.
Darla is the widowed chocolate wine therapy bar owner. She's friends with everyone in town, but keeps herself closed-off to love because of the heartache she experienced when her husband died. Ty is the cowboy/bull rider that has always made us smile in previous books. But in this book we see that he has a really soft side and is adorable. He's been 2nd best to his NFL star brother, Rhett, in the eyes of his parents, or so he thinks. So when Darla suggests he get his brother to town to participate in a fundraising bachelor auction, he's hesitant. He'll only agree to it though if Darla agrees to be his fake fiancé since he kind of told his parents he was engaged. So that's how this book starts out.
We get to see the vulnerable side of Darla and see how she heals from losing the love her life 10 years ago. It was heartbreaking at times to see the pain she still experienced from his loss. But I loved that Ty was able to help her break through that pain and open herself to love.
Ty was definitely more patient than I could ever be with Darla. He stood by her side, even when she was trying to keep him at arms length. He was a bit of a pushover because of that and I felt like he kept giving up his happiness to appease her fears.
In the end, they get their HEA and it's cute. The epilogue left out what happened with Rhett and his lady friend (and I don't see a book about them), which was disappointing since the author kind of played up a possible romance.
October 29, 2019
What a sweet, wonderful, heartfelt story! This is one of those stories that fills you up with goodness and makes you smile because of the genuinely nice characters. A heartwarming read for sure!
I really liked both Darla and Ty, learning about their relationship and watching their attraction grow. They had great chemistry, I felt for both of them as I learned about their pasts and was rooting for them to get together. Ty was so sweet and he had this strong, sexy cowboy vibe happening I really liked. I liked Darla and felt for her and how she fought to move on from past hurts.
There are a lot of fun things happening with a mix of different tropes. There’s a small-town romance, friends to lovers, fake fiancé, and a certain surprise happening. From the synopsis, I deduced just what that surprise aspect was and thought it was a sweet addition. I really liked the fake fiancé element happening and watching their feelings grow and as they deal with issues from their past.
The writing was really good with nice details. The story jumps right in, laying everything out so the reader could get to the good stuff. I enjoyed the dual POVs and the build to the story. I felt this was a pretty easy read for the most part. Pretty light in the drama department, with a lot of emotion happening, as well as some really awesome entertaining moments. This is a low heat kind of book but with everything else happening and all the feelings building, I didn't really miss it.
The takeaway for me is that it was just downright entertaining and sweet, it made me happy to read as people dealt with their issues and opened their hearts and healed. If you need a feel-good story that will warm your heart and leave you smiling, this is it!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
I really liked both Darla and Ty, learning about their relationship and watching their attraction grow. They had great chemistry, I felt for both of them as I learned about their pasts and was rooting for them to get together. Ty was so sweet and he had this strong, sexy cowboy vibe happening I really liked. I liked Darla and felt for her and how she fought to move on from past hurts.
There are a lot of fun things happening with a mix of different tropes. There’s a small-town romance, friends to lovers, fake fiancé, and a certain surprise happening. From the synopsis, I deduced just what that surprise aspect was and thought it was a sweet addition. I really liked the fake fiancé element happening and watching their feelings grow and as they deal with issues from their past.
The writing was really good with nice details. The story jumps right in, laying everything out so the reader could get to the good stuff. I enjoyed the dual POVs and the build to the story. I felt this was a pretty easy read for the most part. Pretty light in the drama department, with a lot of emotion happening, as well as some really awesome entertaining moments. This is a low heat kind of book but with everything else happening and all the feelings building, I didn't really miss it.
The takeaway for me is that it was just downright entertaining and sweet, it made me happy to read as people dealt with their issues and opened their hearts and healed. If you need a feel-good story that will warm your heart and leave you smiling, this is it!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
October 28, 2019
As soon as Darla Michaels hears that her friends cafe has burnt to the ground, her need to help them kicks into overdrive, and the ideas start swirling. She thinks an Cowboy Christmas Festival fundraiser might just be the perfect way to help them out, between the festival, rodeo, and a sexy cowboy calendar they are certain to stir up enough funds for a rebuild.
But she can't plan all this alone, which is where her "special friend" Ty Forrester comes into play, he knows rodeo and of course he would be perfect for the calendar too. And he also has a famous football playing brother that could certainly cause an uptick in attendance... but Ty has his reservations about inviting his brother. Ty told his family a little white lie, and if he invites his brother it's bound to get out that he lied to his family... so his only choice is to fess up or convince Darla to play along, and that could be dangerous territory!
A Cowboy for Christmas was an absolute delight to read, it's wonderfully crafted characters are certain to have you smiling and swooning throughout! Ty and Darla were quiet the pairing, they danced around their feelings and tried their best to keep each other at a safe distance from their heart... but as always love won out. I really enjoyed this one, it had heartfelt emotion to tug on the heartstrings, humorous bits to keep me giggling, and some steamy action to curl the toes... it was a perfect small town romance literary escape! Highly recommend you get your hands on this one, it's got everything necessary to put a squeeze on the heart and stir up some holiday feels!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
But she can't plan all this alone, which is where her "special friend" Ty Forrester comes into play, he knows rodeo and of course he would be perfect for the calendar too. And he also has a famous football playing brother that could certainly cause an uptick in attendance... but Ty has his reservations about inviting his brother. Ty told his family a little white lie, and if he invites his brother it's bound to get out that he lied to his family... so his only choice is to fess up or convince Darla to play along, and that could be dangerous territory!
A Cowboy for Christmas was an absolute delight to read, it's wonderfully crafted characters are certain to have you smiling and swooning throughout! Ty and Darla were quiet the pairing, they danced around their feelings and tried their best to keep each other at a safe distance from their heart... but as always love won out. I really enjoyed this one, it had heartfelt emotion to tug on the heartstrings, humorous bits to keep me giggling, and some steamy action to curl the toes... it was a perfect small town romance literary escape! Highly recommend you get your hands on this one, it's got everything necessary to put a squeeze on the heart and stir up some holiday feels!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
December 31, 2019
A Cowboy for Christmas by Sara Richardson made me both cry and laugh so hard. It was heartbreaking and heart melting. I loved the characters. I loved the story! This was a romance that tugged at my heart strings from the beginning to end.
A young woman deals with the constant reminder of her grief. The loss of her husband. He was young, healthy, and fit. Yet he died of cancer. It was heart breaking. Darla found a support group outside of her community home to go to. She did everything she could to make sure no one from her community knew about it. But as always, plan fail at some point. Her secret became known the moment her no string attached guy friend found her. Then a support group lady informed him all about Darla coming to the support group for widows.
Ty never knew Darla was a widow. That threw him for a big loop. Darla is frustrated that Ty knows. Ty wants to know everything about her husband and how he died. However, things happen back in their community it has a way of tying both Ty and Darla closer together for the sake of their friends.
Ty tells a lie to his family. Darla runs with it to help with the community fundraiser for their mutual friends. Ty isn't sure what will happen. But as they spend more time together, Ty does not want to let Darla go. He wants her. Darla is afraid to love again. The pain and loss she felt with her first husband, she never wants to feel again.
Life is complicated. Friends with benefits or as a pretend fiance can go complicated haywire. Then surprise plot twists happen. I loved every moment of this book. This is one cowboy Christmas novel that has all the feels and romance a reader needs.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
A young woman deals with the constant reminder of her grief. The loss of her husband. He was young, healthy, and fit. Yet he died of cancer. It was heart breaking. Darla found a support group outside of her community home to go to. She did everything she could to make sure no one from her community knew about it. But as always, plan fail at some point. Her secret became known the moment her no string attached guy friend found her. Then a support group lady informed him all about Darla coming to the support group for widows.
Ty never knew Darla was a widow. That threw him for a big loop. Darla is frustrated that Ty knows. Ty wants to know everything about her husband and how he died. However, things happen back in their community it has a way of tying both Ty and Darla closer together for the sake of their friends.
Ty tells a lie to his family. Darla runs with it to help with the community fundraiser for their mutual friends. Ty isn't sure what will happen. But as they spend more time together, Ty does not want to let Darla go. He wants her. Darla is afraid to love again. The pain and loss she felt with her first husband, she never wants to feel again.
Life is complicated. Friends with benefits or as a pretend fiance can go complicated haywire. Then surprise plot twists happen. I loved every moment of this book. This is one cowboy Christmas novel that has all the feels and romance a reader needs.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
October 30, 2019
When the Farm Cafe burns down Darla comes up with the plan of helping her friend by getting a bachelor auction and a rodeo to bring in money. Thing is she needs to pretend to be engaged to her friends with benefit, Ty, so that he can bring his family and NFL player brother to draw people to coming to the festivities. Ty isn't thrilled with the arrangement but he did lie to his parents about being engaged and will tolerate his brother for the sake of a friend. They never expected for feelings to start arising.
I love a good western contemporary romance and this book was perfect for me. Thing is I completely forgotten that this book was set during Christmas time. There really wasn't much in the way to show that this book as in the holidays so it slipped my mind. So if you are here looking to see if there is any christmas spirit to be found to get you in the festive mood I wouldn't recommend this but if you are here for an interesting set of characters and romance then your in the right place. I enjoyed seeing the chemistry between the characters, and one of the things that were happening to one of the characters I could guess what was up a mile away. I thought it was interesting seeing the brother dynamics between Ty and his bother and kinda felt bad on how their relationship was. Then there was the whole lying its bound to blow up in their faces and I was curious how that would go down. I enjoyed the romance and seeing how this book played out. Overall great book I enjoyed it.
I love a good western contemporary romance and this book was perfect for me. Thing is I completely forgotten that this book was set during Christmas time. There really wasn't much in the way to show that this book as in the holidays so it slipped my mind. So if you are here looking to see if there is any christmas spirit to be found to get you in the festive mood I wouldn't recommend this but if you are here for an interesting set of characters and romance then your in the right place. I enjoyed seeing the chemistry between the characters, and one of the things that were happening to one of the characters I could guess what was up a mile away. I thought it was interesting seeing the brother dynamics between Ty and his bother and kinda felt bad on how their relationship was. Then there was the whole lying its bound to blow up in their faces and I was curious how that would go down. I enjoyed the romance and seeing how this book played out. Overall great book I enjoyed it.
October 24, 2019
A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS is the eighth book in the Rocky Mountain Riders series. This is the first book I have read from the series (and from this author) and had no problem; therefore, I can attest that this will stand-alone. On the other hand, I will start whining now that I want more! I love this wonderful group of people!
Not only is this a Christmas feel-good story – which I love – but it is also a story of recovering from unbearable loss for Darla and realizing unconditional love for Ty. Add in some pregnancy hormones for a character or two and… talk about hitting all kinds of emotional buttons!
Now, don’t go thinking it is all emotions and heavy weight tension. This is actually light and breezy reading with a lot of laughs, sighs, and a good bit of loving. MMMMmmmmMMM Ty knows how to kiss… as well as how to fill out a pair of cowboy jeans.
I have fallen in love with these cowboys, their girls, and their friends. Bring on some more cowboys!
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via NetGalley, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS
Series: Rocky Mountain Riders #6
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC
Received from: Forever Publishing
Not only is this a Christmas feel-good story – which I love – but it is also a story of recovering from unbearable loss for Darla and realizing unconditional love for Ty. Add in some pregnancy hormones for a character or two and… talk about hitting all kinds of emotional buttons!
Now, don’t go thinking it is all emotions and heavy weight tension. This is actually light and breezy reading with a lot of laughs, sighs, and a good bit of loving. MMMMmmmmMMM Ty knows how to kiss… as well as how to fill out a pair of cowboy jeans.
I have fallen in love with these cowboys, their girls, and their friends. Bring on some more cowboys!
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via NetGalley, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS
Series: Rocky Mountain Riders #6
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC
Received from: Forever Publishing
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