Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas

Blue Sky Cowboys #2

by Joanne Kennedy

"Full of heart and passion."―JODI THOMAS, New York Times bestselling author, for Cowboy Fever Book 2 in award-winning author Joanne Kennedy's new Blue Sky Cowboys series, Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas is an emotional, compelling story from a master of the genre. Joanne Kennedy's sexy cowboy romances feature the rugged and lonely Wyoming range, where the nearest neighbors are miles away and the climate is brutal for man and beast. This beautiful and sensuous tale takes place at the holidays, when a lonely cowboy is more desperate than ever to connect with the woman of his dreams. Also by Joanne Cowboy Trouble One Fine Cowboy Cowboy Fever Tall, Dark and Cowboy Cowboy Crazy Praise for Cowboy Summer : "Kennedy's delicious contemporary series launch is filled with nostalgia... Wit and charm suffuse this well-plotted story about remembering what's most important in life."― Publishers Weekly "This sweet but sexy tale, the kick-off for Kennedy's new Blue Sky Cowboys series, is great for fans of Linda Lael Miller's contemporary romances."― Booklist

Genres: Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, Christmas

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published September 29, 2020

About the author

Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
Laramie County

Books (Most Recent Publications First)





Author Website:  www.joannekennedybooks.com
Author Email:      Joanne@JoanneKennedyBooks.com
Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joanne-Kennedy-Books/114277591920110

Biographical and Professional Information

Joanne Kennedy's fascination with Wyoming’s unique blend of past and present leads her to write contemporary Western romances with traditional ranch settings. Her books include Cowboy Trouble, Cowboy Fever, and 2011 RITA nominee One Fine Cowboy. Her next book, Tall, Dark & Cowboy, will be released in November 2011. Two more contemporary western romances will be released in 2012.

At various times, Joanne dabbled in horse training, chicken farming, and bridezilla wrangling at a department store wedding registry. Themes that have remained constant throughout her life are Jack Russell terriers, a tendency to confuse fiction with real life, and a fascination with literature that led to careers in bookselling and writing. She lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming with two dogs and a retired fighter pilot. The dogs are relatively well-behaved.

A member of Romance Writers of America and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, Joanne loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website, www.joannekennedybooks.com. 


Speaking Engagements

Joanne is available for speaking engagements on writing, romance, and the West. She teaches writing workshops including Finding Resonant Endings,  Starting and Structuring Your Novel, The Strategic  Synopsis and other topics related to

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Cowboy Christmas Romance, and it is the second book in the blue sky cowboys series. I have not read the first book in this series. I really enjoyed reading this book, but some of the characters I did not love. It was a fun read, and there was a lot of drama happening in the book that keep you wanting to read the book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I usually really enjoy Joanne Kennedy and her stories. Unfortunately, this story didn’t bring me as much joy as her previous stories.

I enjoyed reading about Griff and understood why he was like he was. His character, though, was a bit confusing. Unfortunately, Riley was a bit overbearing for me. I understood her past, but I just couldn’t get on board with her constant back and forth with Griff. I also had some problems with the timelines and dialogue between them. I did enjoy the premise of the story but felt the characters lacked that little something that grabbed me and held me.

Ms. Kennedy’s character building, like usual, was wonderful. Like I said, I understood both Griff and Riley but I couldn’t feel the chemistry. She also surrounded them with characters that were interesting and kept me wanting more of them in the story. In fact, I would really like to see where she would take Matt. If you are a fan of Christmas romances and good-will, this story will definitely be a good addition to your bookshelf.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

[Holly Doyal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not read the first book in the series (Cowboy Summer) so I quickly read it before I dove into Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas. Although Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas can be read as a stand alone, I was glad I read Cowboy Summer first so I would have a little background on the town's citizens.

Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas is the story of Griff, the rancher's son who has been overseas in the military fighting terrorists, and Riley, the beloved town's "fix it up" girl and regular employee at the town's only hardware store. Riley is staying at the Diamond Jack ranch while the rest of the family is out - Heck & Molly have taken a much needed vacation in the RV while Jess & Cade have gone on their honeymoon. Since the ranch is empty, it is the perfect time for Riley to stay at the ranch and begin the renovations necessary for everyone to create the "dude ranch" concept for the next phase of the ranch. Griff has reached the end of his commitment to the army and the army isn't sure he is "well enough" to enlist again so they have sent him home to get the help he needs and he can't enlist again until he is medically cleared. Griff comes home to the ranch unannounced not knowing his family is away - nor does he know that Riley has taken up residence there. The same Riley that has stolen his dreams the entire time he has been gone - her sweet memories have carried him through the tough times - and her frequent text messages also - when no one else back home seemed to even try to keep in touch with him.

Both Griff & Riley are broken people and are haunted by their own personal demons. Griff has the battle scars of war and the traumas he has seen while Riley's battle scars are her past addictions. Neither Griff nor Riley can seem to forgive themselves - Griff feels responsible for not saving more lives overseas and Riley feels everyone will always judge her by her past - even though it has been years and she has more than proven herself as a model citizen. Both feel they are undeserving of true love.

Can Griff & Riley help each other heal? Or will they continue to fight their inner demons without each other?

I really enjoyed this book - I felt a serious connection to all the characters and the chemistry between Griff & Riley was truly present. I liked this book more than the first book (although I liked it also). This was one of those books that made me a little sad when it was over because I knew my time with Griff & Riley had come to an end. Those are the best type of books to read.

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated above are mine without biases.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas
Blue Sky Cowboys Series #2
Joanne Kennedy
https://www.facebook.com/joannekenned...
Release date 09/29/2020
Publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Book 2 in award-winning author Joanne Kennedy's new Blue Sky Cowboys series, Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas is an emotional, compelling story from a master of the genre. Joanne Kennedy's sexy cowboy romances feature the rugged and lonely Wyoming range, where the nearest neighbors are miles away and the climate is brutal for man and beast. This beautiful and sensuous tale takes place at the holidays, when a lonely cowboy is more desperate than ever to connect with the woman of his dreams.

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will his healing sign her walking away from him ...

This is my fourth western romance in a short span of time, and I am coming to like them more and more. And while I do not like to read about day to day life, to close to home, as I prefer to be transported by my reads, the western world is an enigma for me the little frenchy woman.
The main characters are two very damaged persons, one who seems to have completed her recovery when the second still struggles to adjust and refuse to accept he might not going back to his previous life.
Riley has left her addict’s life behind, carving a new one in a small town, and while she has rather recovered, she still believes herself as undeserving, why she does not fight when some are threatening what should be her inheritance. And she does the same with Griff, she can’t believe he would choose her over miss Perfect.
So scarred to hope for too much she would rather turn her back to a possible future without even trying her luck, so afraid to face désappointement.
Griff is on military leave, yet relying on going back to his career and awkward among civilians. He still has panic attacks and bouts of temper.
He is now back to his hometown, only to lick his wounds with no other prospect than quieting his mind to be able to enlist again.

So for them to rekindle their unfinished affair, it leaves them clumsy around one another, misinterpreting each other’s moves, having trusting issues and seing things there is not.

Outside the main couple, there is a wide panel of side characters, some very mean, other lacking resolve plus very supportive one.
I liked to see some reaching a full arc, looking them grow, finding their inner strength and voice when others got their eyes opened and found their right comeuppance.
And while Riley appears as the stronger one, always cheerful, never miserly with her affection, she is also a coward when it comes to the matter of the heart, she retreats from others using her past as a shield. She runs away when love is involved.
I have not read the previous book in this series so I do not know if her past life was more detailed, as I understand she was an addict teenager but I would have liked to understand why she was so scarred by strong men in general and shouting men in particular.

I would have shook them quite a few times, he for not standing for himself sooner, not enough firm and his own wants and she for pushing him away then jealous then walking away because she does not want to hurt if she fails.
4.5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas by Joanne Kennedy is an enjoyable read. There's Christmas events to enjoy and the town folk of Wynott to appreciate for their support of each other. The conflict is interesting in this story. Both the heroine Riley and the hero, Griff have issues to deal with. Riley once lived on the streets and had a difficult time until hardware store owner Ed Boone and his wife Ruth stepped in and helped her. Griff has PTSD from an incident in Afghanistan that has him filled with guilt. When Ed's sisters Carol and Diane show up for a Christmas visit things get ugly for Riley. Those two women are characters I loved to dislike. Things turn out well in the end but Riley and Griff's road to their Happily Eve After sure wasn't well-paved and smooth. I really liked the story and Bruce the dog was a special addition to it.

[Jeriann Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do with two people who are so broken that they each think that the others too good for them? Joanne Kennedy explores this in Blu Sky Cowboy Christmas.

Riley it's a recovered addict who doesn't think that she deserves the nicer or finer things in life. I think she's her own worst enemy. Griff is a veteran, newly returned from the war and he is suffering from severe PTSD. He and Riley hooked up just before he had gone overseas and she stayed in touch with him while he was gone. This meant a lot to him. And she's the only girl he wants upun his return home even though the town good girl, Fawn, makes her interest more than clear.

Except poor Riley is so convinced things are bound to go wrong she has one foot out the door to run out of town practically from the moment Griff says hello. Fawn is much better for him, she feels so she decides pushing Griff into Fawn's arms is her going away project. (She knows better for Griff than he does.) Despite that she's sleeping with Griff, telling herself she's getting him ready for a "nice" woman like Fawn.

Both Griff & Riley, but will they let themselves heal?

There were lots of cast members and things got a little confusing. I had a love-hate relationship with Griff & Riley, collectively and individually. Mostly love, but I got frustratedvenough that I couldn't give this a 5 star rating. It's a satisfying read, nevertheless, & a lovely "magic of Christmas" ending that makes resolving Griff's PTSD & Riley's low self-esteem seem like a fairytale.

Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read and provide my honest review of this story.

[Ann Lorz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: http://www.romancingthereaders.com/20...

This is the first time I've read this author. I saw the great cover and the fact that it was a holiday book and I was in.

I really enjoy trying new authors. Sometimes it's a hit were others not so much. Unfortunately for me, this one is not so much. I did like both Griff and Riley and liked the idea of the story but just couldn't get into it.

I felt for Riley and her past issues. I know she has problems even today with what she did in her past. It's sometimes hard to move on.

At times Griff was a little harsh with her and I didn't enjoy that. I know he's a good guy and you do see that which is why in the end I ended up liking him.

There are times where I really liked this book but at other times I just didn't really care enough about them to want to keep going. Because it was an ARC I did make myself finish it. I always try to find ARC's. But I'm not sure this series is one that works for me.

I do believe that there are people out there that will love her books and enjoy this one. Everyone's taste is different. That's why I like trying new to me authors.

Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Griff is all cowboy, recently back from military service. He has some issues that plague him while he tackles the hero's welcome he doesn't feel he deserves. Riley graduated from the school of hard knocks and dreams of a Christmas where she is finally included, not standing on the outside peering in enviously. I liked the chemistry between Riley and Griff, with the added distraction of the dog and Fawn, the simpering competitor for Griff. It's a great story set in the west, snow, and two lonely people who just need to quit being afraid and take the leap of love. Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the advance read in exchange for my honest review.

[Ayekah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a tough time liking this one, mainly because of Griff, the H's behavior and the way he treated Riley. Riley wasn't easy either and I have to say there were a couple of lines in this book that I said to myself aloud, "no you did not just say (write) that" and there was a "oh hell no" in there as well.
It just wasn't for me.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas is the second story in the Blue Sky Cowboys series and brings us Griff and Riley’s story which is an emotional journey for both the characters and the reader. I have purchased the first story, Cowboy Summer, but I have not read it yet. I wish I had made the time to do that before diving into Griff and Riley’s story. I had forgotten that I purchased it intending to read it before this review was due. But time gets away from me, and even now it seems like there just isn’t enough of it to get everything done. I’d say you “could” read this one as a stand-alone, but you’ll understand more background, more nuances if you start at the beginning.

Griff intended to re-signup to the military but instead got sent home to do some healing and dealing with the trauma of combat, in particular, a severe case of PTSD that he just cannot seem to get a handle on and that fact is only making his recovery harder and longer. Griff wants it done with today, but the reality is his PTSD may never fully go away… and that’s not something he knows how to live with.

Riley has her own demons in her past. She’s overcome them, no longer addicted, completely turned around and clean. Yet. She doesn’t see herself as worthy. Oh, she puts on a pretty good false face but at her core, she feels the townsfolk look down on her for past deeds, and that she doesn’t deserve the good things in life including a good man at her side.

She and Griff spent time together before he left on assignment. Since he’s been deployed they text occasionally and are comfortable, for the most part, with each other. Griff may want more, Riley seems intent on pushing him away. They’ve come to a crossroads of sorts but now is the time to reach for the dream for them both or they will have lost everything that was once possible.

I enjoyed Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas. If there were moments when I wanted to shake both Riley and Griff or at the very least sit them down for a kind, stern talking to… well, they deserved that for the way they acted toward each other. It was plain to see that they worked together, they counter-balanced each other’s pasts and future so well if only they could see that. With some chuckle out loud moments, some awkward moments, and some steam-filled moments as well, this couple captured my heart as I waited for them to catch up and see just how right they were for each other.

Oh. P.S. Please put a blurb on this book, a real story blurb. You are asking readers to buy the book even more sight unseen than usual without any kind of story related cover description to show them the interesting and emotional story within the pages.

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

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas by Joanne Kennedy is a cowboy Christmas tale with lots of twists and turns and subplots. Griff Bailey has returned home to Wynott after 4 years overseas and months in a VA hospital. It is his plan to continue his recovery and enlist. He arrives at his father's ranch to see the front of the house in complete ruins. When he enters, he discovers his father and stepmother are traveling in their RV and local legend, Riley James as remodeling for them while they were gone: the porch and adding some bathrooms, a lot of bathrooms. She is surprised when he enters the house. Neither she nor the family had any idea he was coming and she had been staying there. Doesn't take too much to see where this is going, but it takes a long while to get there. There are lots of bouts with self-doubt, low self esteem, and plain old lack of communication. It is a fun journey.

Riley had grown up in horrible circumstances and had been a drug addict but had been clean for years, mostly due to Ruth and Ed who had taken her in as a teen. She had worked for them and lived with them, and nursed Ruth when her MS had become too much. She was their daughter. That is until Ed's two sisters and useless great nephew had arrived. They all but booted Riley out. The sad thing was, she thought she deserved it. Riley is a great character. She is the epitome of what we all want homeless children to become: fearless, loyal, and loving. Griff is still in the throes of PTSD but is making inroads. The worst thing is, people seem to think they know what he needs. Riley is the only one who lets him be. This is a powerful book containing all kinds of lessons to be learned. It is romantic, but not syrupy, full of recovery of all kinds, but not preachy. It is well worth the read. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas is a thoughtful and reverent story of the homecoming of a local boy who has seen horrible things while fighting for our country in the Middle East. Griff Bailey, son of the Diamond Jack ranch, has returned home to Wynott, Wyoming from two tours of duty in the Middle East. At the end of his last tour unimaginable things happened and he is haunted by them. His hometown sees him as a hero. He sees himself as a fraud.

Riley James is a young woman that never felt she belonged anywhere until she made the acquaintance of Ed and Ruth Boone. She had a miserable home life and a myriad of stepfathers and ‘uncles’ before becoming a ward of the system. Led to a seedy life and drugs, it was through her own efforts that she was able to overcome her background and addiction before she met the Boone’s. Ruth was in the final stages of MS when Riley came to her aid, and then she adopted them as her own. Now, Riley is a certified contractor as well as a major help to Ed in his hardware store and a trusted friend, although Ed sees her as the daughter he never had. When his witchy sisters and disappointing great nephew come to spend the holidays with Ed it displaces Riley, but that’s okay since she can stay at the Diamond Jack while the residents are away and she is doing a major remodel. Although Ed sees Riley as his natural heir, the sisters are intent on giving the grand nephew Trevor the rights to the property.

As the story evolves it is discovered that Riley and Griff had a connection right before he left for the military and Riley was consistent in her messages during his deployment. And when Griff arrives home and finds the only one that was there to greet him is Riley, things evolve.

This is a heartwarming story of finding connection and making the most of an opportunity that comes your way. In a lovely small town setting and with flawed but lovable characters, this novel is a holiday hit. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!

[Shavona Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanne Kennedy is a gifted writer whose creativity shines through in her work. This is an impressive, well crafted plot. The characters are flawed, each in their own way, but they are so good together. Riley has overcome homelessness and addiction and should be skeptical and bitter but instead, she has the heart of an angel. She is the first in line to help others. Griff, a hometown cowboy and a recent war hero, has returned home to try and get his PTSD under control. His only objective is to return to his unit. That is until he runs into Riley, the girl who haunts his dreams. The girl who's messages kept him going all those years he was in a war zone. The girl who's messages he never once answered. Riley has loved Griff all her life but for some reason, she doesn't feel worthy of anyone's love let alone Griff's. She is determined to help him heal and Griff is determined to provides the strength and love she needs. Beautifully written and I now have a new favorite author!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading Joanne's books, she writes a good cowboy story! This story set at Christmas time is about Griff and Riley. These two souls are both suffering from different issues but they help each other through their issues.

Griff has returned from Iraq and is suffering from PTSD and survivors guilt. It's hard to have people you know and care about die around you and you not be able to save them. The town calls him a Hero and that is not how Griff sees himself.

Riley has hard a rough go in life and struggled with addiction. Riley was saved from living on the streets by Ed and Ruth Boone. She works in the hardware store with Ed, it's a wonderful relationship between them. Riley doesn't feel she is worthy of anything good, but she is such a caring and loving person that wants to help everyone...my heart just breaks for her.

In the end, after a few ups and downs and the horrible pair of sisters of Ed's, our couple get their Happily Ever After.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas (Blue Sky Cowboys #2) s the first book I have read and reviewed by Joanne Kennedy. This is a story that takes place at Christmas but is a read anytime story. Griff has struggles due to military service and Riley has some issues from her past. At times they are they worst enemies not believing that they deserve the love and acceptance that all need. They are more then deserving. These questions that they wrestle with could be ones that resonant with many of us.

The story is well written with many supporting characters. While I haven’t read the first in the series I still had not problem following along with everyone in the town. I found the characters complex and at times even perplexing. That is pretty realistic. I also found myself wanting to help them along so that they could see themselves as I did, characters to be admired and cheered along in life to keep going.

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

[Kea · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLUE SKY COWBOY CHRISTMAS is Joanne Kennedy’s second book of the Blue Sky Cowboys series. Griff Bailey, weary from his deployment overseas, wants a quiet Christmas at his family’s ranch, but he runs into Riley James who is renovating his house. The chemistry they once shared reignites, but Riley has sworn off dark, dangerous men, but Griff’s emotional scars pull her heartstrings, and she wants to help him despite of their complicated pasts. The dog, Bruce, is delightful addition to the story. BLUE SKY COWBOY CHRISTMAS is sweet, sexy romance about two people struggling overcome their personal demons and finding love in the process. Joanne Kennedy’s creativity breathes life into this small-town romance, mixing the drama and the heat in her flawed characters’ lives making Christmas a season of miracles. I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Diane McConnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning to put their love first!

Trying to describe Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas is a challenge because Griff Bailey just wants to be left alone to deal with his PTSD because he hates everyone in Wynott telling him he is a hero after Iraq because he feels that he isn’t a hero and just wants to be left alone.

Riley James had come to Wynott with nothing but now she had a job in the hardware store and considered her boss Ed her family. Riley was so used to putting everyone else first, she almost walked away from Ed and Griff because she didn’t want to cause any problems.

Griff Bailey and Riley James are both broken in different ways and they help each other heal in a Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas because they are better together.

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

[Miriam Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

While enjoyed the overall story and the budding romance between Griff and Riley, there were so many times that I just wanted to smack them as they both needed a wake up call.

When Griff kept going along with Fawn, he just seemed so wishy washy, and not able to stand up to her and tell her "NO!." But Riley was pretty much the same when Ed's sisters came to town and took all their abuse. I really was glad that Ed finally grew a back bone and stood up for Riley.

I really did like that both Griff and Riley had their own issues to overcome and they were able to figure out how to get past their issues and lead a fulfilling life - with each other! Not sure that I would have been so forgiving as Riley to the sisters as they were just "mean girl" nasty to her.

Great wrap up and nice HEA!

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful read about how sometimes family doesn’t have to be a blood relative, as we can see with Riley and Ed. Riley works at Boone’s Hardware with Ed, but she also does renovations. This is how she gets to see Griff again. He returns home suffering from PTSD. Griff always had a thing for Fawn Swanson and she wants him now, since he’s a hero. Riley thinks Griff still wants Fawn, so of course, we have some angst in the story. What would you think if he’s kissing you and then later you see him kissing Fawn? Grab your copy and see what happens with all these characters, especially when Ed’s sisters come to town with his grandnephew, Trevor.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review

[Desiree Bowser · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoy this author! I was happy to be given the second book to this series! It was an emotional ride for not only me but the main characters Griff & Riley as they both had things to over come!

Riley is our heroine who is trying to be a better person and make up for her past. She has a hard time believing she deserves better.

Griff is our sexy hero who was in the military but comes home to the ranch to find Riley there & his family out! Griff has held onto memories from Riley through hard time.

These two go through quite a bit to find themselves and falling in love! They had amazing chemistry together! They def needed their HEA!! I really loved reading this story & all the characters in between! I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.

[S Tondra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cowboys and Christmas sound like a great combination. This is my first book from Joanne Kennedy and even though this was the second book in the Blue Sky series I didn’t feel like I needed to have read the first book to understand this book. Unfortunately there were many issues I had with the book, the characters were flat and with all the back and forth Riley had gave me whiplash. I did a lot of skimming as it felt like the same argument over and over again with no real growth and the ending felt rushed with no real excitement. Some readers may enjoy the book but this one was just not for me.

I was provided with an electronic ARC through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5stars
Griff comes to his family ranch to hide from painful memories. What he doesn't expect is to find the only person who made his darkest day in the military bright- Riley who is all grow up. Griffen is broken and doesn't know how to cope with the darkness that is in him and scares Riley. Riley doesn't have an easy life and when Ed -who she considered as her dad -receives a visit from his sister her life becomes even more difficult. How will Griff overcome his anger and will Riley see that she too deserves love? The answers you will find when you will pick this book and read it. You will not regret it. It is a very pleasant enjoyable read with great likable characters. A story about accepting yourself, family, and love.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Griff is a story. son who joined the military. Riley is a carpenter who is fixing Griff’s father ranch. Griff is on leave because of an accident killing a soldier. He decides to return home so he can be alone. Riley is staying there to fix the old ranch up. Both are fighting their on demons. Riley and Griff are friends. need to heal. Riley feels that everyone judges her for her past. Griff and Riley need to realize that they need to forgive themselves and move forward. Griff and Riley have chemistry. Can they move forward with their lives? Can they heal each other. I love the emotions in this story. story.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Griff and Riley are both damaged people struggling with different issues- he's dealing with PTSD and she has had addiction problems. They had a one night stand years ago and parted, but that night has lingered in their minds ever since. Imagine their surprise when Griff comes home to his family's ranch and finds Riley is there working on renovations. You know this is a second chance romance and that it's going to be steamy, don't you? What's nice, though, is that these two are so well rounded and sympathetic. It's not an easy journey to happiness but then again, when is it? Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

[Halima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanne Kennedy writes the best Cowboy Romance books!

Coupled with a realistic storyline and a heartwarming Cowboy, her books are a treat to read. They are like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter's night.

Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas is a story about two people battling the scars of their past. Griff Bailey has returned to his hometown of Wynott after a forgettable experience while serving his country. Riley James is struggling to get away from her past. The two troubled souls connect over the magic of Christmas.

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me an opportunity to review the ARC of the book.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how this was a slow burn and how both Griff and Riley have self doubts about themselves and their futures along with where they have been and what they have been through to get to where they are. You get plenty of highs and lows as well as heartbreak, doubt but also hope, laughs, attraction and the hope of a happy ever after for two people who deserve it. The story and characters are written in such a way that you are drawn in and hooked from the get go and feel that you are right along there with them which I just loved!

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Griff and Riley are both broken souls. This story explores their backgrounds and how they factor into their relationship. Can they move beyond their pasts to discover if they can help each other heal. Can their families accept what the future holds and fight for each other to make their dreams reality? A great holiday story!

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long book but was a really good read
The second book in a series griff was in the military and had ptsd went back home for Christmas to have a break and get his life together found house empty and being remodeled by Riley a great romance threaded through with two different women who wanted him story was interesting and flowed good look foreword to reading more from this author

[Karen Troutman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Sky Cowboy Christmas
by Joanne Kennedy
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca
You Like Them
Sourcebooks Casablanca
Romance
Pub Date 29 Sep 2020 | Archive Date 30 Sep 2020

This is book 2 in this award-winning series. Thumbs up for the great romance at Christmas. I will recommend it to our patrons who enjoy romance titles.
Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the ARC.

4 star

[Morgan Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 stars

Cute but nothing groundbreaking. I wanted more romance and emotional build-up from the story. So much else was discussed in heavy detail: the hero's PTSD, the heroine's past addiction, another woman pining after the hero despite unrequited feelings, people getting beat up for debt, etc. All of that stuff fell flat because I wasn't invested in the characters' relationship.