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The Buckskin Brotherhood #6

Secret-Santa Cowboy

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He’ll be her Santa tonight...

Wrangler Leo Marston’s used to women pursuing him because of his looks. Apple Grove newcomer Fiona Hildebrand is the first to run in the opposite direction. Too bad she’s also the one he can’t stop thinking about. How can he convince her to take a chance on him? He can’t exactly change his appearance.

Or can he? Volunteering to play Santa and distributing toys to needy kids, with Fiona as his helper elf, is the perfect opportunity to show her there’s more to him than a pretty face. But when the evening ends, will she meet him under the mistletoe, or boot him out the door?

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2020

366 people are currently reading
187 people want to read

About the author

Vicki Lewis Thompson

498 books1,537 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestseller Vicki Lewis Thompson believes love makes the world go around and laughter makes the trip worth taking. The recipient of RWA’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award and the author of more than ninety books, Vicki pioneered a new kind of romance hero with Nerd in Shining Armor. Following the success of her nerd stories, Vicki launched a boisterous paranormal series featuring a matchmaking witch and wizard, an ADD dragon named George, and a black cat inspired by her own precocious feline, Eve.

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5 stars
298 (59%)
4 stars
123 (24%)
3 stars
53 (10%)
2 stars
16 (3%)
1 star
12 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Cara.
1,750 reviews
December 12, 2022
I have loved this author in the past, but I could not get past how much Fiona annoyed me. I did not like how much Leo just pandered to her and never got upset with how she treated him. When the couple finally got together, they had exactly one page of happiness before the book ended. No epilogue, no time to enjoy this couple at all. I felt cheated.
Profile Image for Vickie Raynor.
1,176 reviews17 followers
December 4, 2020
This author never disappoints. In true fashion of the series, I was swept up in the characters, the romance and the previous characters. I found myself getting angry at one of the characters, and that just proves that the author was successful in evoking that emotion. It was a sweet fairy tale and perfect for getting me into the season. Book gifted to me.
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,476 reviews92 followers
January 18, 2022
I'm never disappointed when I finish reading Vicki Lewis Thompson. I am binging on this wonderful author's cowboy stories. I love the romance of it all, and there's always a HEA ending. I absolutely loved it! 5☆
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
December 6, 2022
🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (12/6/2022)! 🎁
Profile Image for Linda.
1,431 reviews
December 26, 2022
DNF. Sex on their second date. Sorry not my kind of book
Profile Image for Courtney.
44 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2020
Leo Marston, the male star of Vicki Lewis Thompson’s Secret-Santa Cowboy, fled to the Buckskin Ranch to escape his parents’ plans for him to achieve acting fame, but his Hollywood good looks may keep him from winning the woman who’s captured his heart. Fiona Hildebrand, owner of the local stationery store, knows a whole lot about the environment, paper, and many other topics. And she can talk about them for hours, but with Leo, she finds it hard to string together more than two coherent words. His handsome face intimidates her into silence. Leo can’t get over his feelings for Fiona though, so he concocts a scheme to convince her that she can be at ease with him. Ben, from the Choosy Moose, always chooses a town newcomer to play elf to his Santa when he delivers gifts to needy kids. This year Fiona is going to be on elf duty, so Leo asks Ben if he can play Santa instead. He disguises his voice, and they spend an enjoyable evening together without the awkwardness that has plagued them in the past. When Fiona finds out who Santa really is this year, she’s stunned and more than a little upset. She can’t deny the strong attraction between them though, and she finally agrees to give Leo a chance.....under one pretty big condition. Their affair has to take place in the dark. Leo will do just about anything to be with Fiona, including only seeing her at night with no lights on. But it doesn’t take long for Leo to want something more from Fiona, and he’s going to have to find a way to bring his relationship into the light if he wants it to last longer than the Christmas season.

Vicki Lewis Thompson always writes amazing Christmas stories, and this book is no exception. The opening scene sees the Buckskin Brotherhood wrapping Christmas gifts at the Choosy Moose for Operation Santa, a charity drive for needy kids. I fell in love with this book from that opening scene. She captured the fun of a big Christmas event, but more importantly the joy that comes with giving back to your community, especially at Christmas. And the scenes where Leo and Fiona actually delivered the gifts made me laugh, made me smile, and even made me cry. Again Ms. Thompson perfectly captured the joy that littles ones feel at Christmas but also the gratitude of families who need a little help to make Christmas happen. I loved the family that had a little performance prepared to say thank you for the gifts, and I felt for the single mother who needs a new job to take care of her little boy. These characters make little cameos in this book, but they provide a great deal of emotion.

As for Leo and Fiona, I really enjoyed the comic elements of Leo’s Santa disguise; Ms. Thompson’s books always include scenes that make me laugh. And of course, she always writes some very steamy love scenes. Having Fiona demand that all their time together take place in the dark was a unique obstacle to put between them. But, as usual, I appreciate that the underlying issue facing Leo and Fiona is ultimately very realistic. People make judgments and assumptions about other people based on their looks or their backgrounds, and those judgments can deprive them of great relationships (whether romantic or not). Fiona assumes that she can’t possibly be a good match for Leo because she sees him as too handsome and herself as too much of a nerd (her word). But she’s selling Leo (and herself) short when she thinks that. All the things that Fiona thinks make her “nerdy”, Leo thinks make her fascinating. In reality, Leo maybe should be offended that Fiona can’t see beyond his looks to see the real him! But I can’t criticize Fiona too much; she’s just insecure with Leo, and that’s a very common emotion that most of us have experienced at one time or another. I love that Ms. Thompson always creates characters whose emotions and behaviors I can relate to or, at least, understand on some level.

As with every book in this series, I highly recommend Secret-Santa Cowboy. I received an ARC of this book from the author, but that didn’t influence my decision to review this book.
119 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2025
This was really kind of ridiculous. The premise had potential but it was not executed well. We are not made to understand what might have happened to this woman that Fiona needs to get out of her comfort zone. But in an effort to do so, she bids on a date with a hot cowboy at a charity auction. She's had a bit of champagne at the party and they get along well. He enjoys her company and is looking forward to the date. However when that comes around she is so discombobulated by his handsomeness that she quits speaking and refused to have anything more to do with him.

To this point, I can get on board with the story line. I can see why someone could get fluster and make a fool of themselves then rather avoid seeing the witness to their embarrassment after, but here is where it breaks down.

When he finds out the reason she keeps turning him down for any further contact, he engineers a situation where they can get to know each other without her seeing his face and knowing its him. He hopes that to get past that he'll show her that there is no reason to avoid him. But she refuses insisting that he's too handsome and if she sees him she'll act like an idiot. They start a relationship where they only meet up in the dark where she can't see him well. After some days of this she still refuses to go anywhere with him even when he offers to put on a disguise again. She claims it's because she'll know it's him. Hello she'd been hanging with him every night knowing it's him and that hasn't made her self-conscious. It's just ridiculous.

Grow up already. No one, even movie stars are so handsome that she should get that tongue tied after getting to know him. She also starts assigning motivations to his interest such as he's only intrigued by the mystery of only seeing each other in the dark, completely ignoring the fact that he was interested in her enough to start the charde in the first place the dark was her doing after the fact. So yeah... she's kind of annoying.
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
December 7, 2020
This is romantic, entertaining and fun. Leo is a hard working, considerate and chivalrous former movie star. Fiona is a shy, stubborn LoTR geek. At a bachelor auction, Fi was high bidder on Leo, and won a date with him. In the middle of the date she froze up, thinking that a gorgeous guy like Leo wouldn't be interested in anything she said. After freezing, she could not talk to him at all, she just tripped over her words. Leo really liked her, and asked to take her out again, but she refused. Every time they ran into each other, she ignored him. So when he found out that she was going to be Santa's elf helper on the night toys were handed out, he asked to play Santa, figuring she could get to know him, without knowing it was him, so then she'd be comfortable around him. It started out great, until she was able to figure out that he'd lied about who he was. From there he had an uphill battle to prove that she could act the same way towards him that she had Santa. Leo is sweet and romantic when they're together, doing only whatever she feels comfortable with. The most entertaining part of the story is on Christmas Eve when everyone gets silly. This is a perfect story for a feel good Christmas read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
3,556 reviews40 followers
November 21, 2020
We are back with the Buckskin Brotherhood. Boys that were taken under the wings of Henri and her deceased husband Charley, and have become strong, honorable men following his beliefs.
Leo Marston is one of these men, nowadays a wrangler in Henri’s ranch and the man that has been attracted to Fiona Hildebrand for quite a while. But she’s also the woman that keeps on avoiding him.
As much as Fiona is attracted to Leo, she finds him too good looking and therefore a man she can’t live up to.
But what better time to manage time with her when unbeknown to her, he takes the role Santa when he hears she will be the “elf” that will accompany him to distribute gifts to those kids of families in need.
When she finds out it’s him, the only why she’ll spend time with him is in the dark. It seems that’s the only way Fiona can control her demons.
But Leo wants more, something Fiona is not willing to give. Will she ever be able to overcome those demons? Or will both end up heartbroken because she won’t or can?
Though it was not my favorite of the stories, and more of a 3.5, it was still a sweet and touching story . Good for not only the holiday season, but any time of the year.
I was entrusted a copy of this book . The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Trully Sunee.
147 reviews3 followers
December 21, 2020
Not being able to read to myself meant I had to be patient and let someone read when time allowed. When receiving the amazing words in this book it was captivating.

Leo has grown to find trust in those of the Buckskin Brotherhood in Apple Grove. He feels that it is home-sweet-home and yet he still yearns to have a relationship with a woman who purchased him at an auction. Even though he wasn't allowed to get to know her past their first face-to-face conversation, he decided when watching her that he'd find a way to get to know her in the future.

Fiona knows more random facts then most people she'd grown up around. Being able to say loads of information in a short period of time was a gift yet she couldn't say hardly anything when even glancing at her biggest crush, Leo Marston.

What does it take to get a chance to see if it's just a fantasy, an attraction in both of their minds only? This novel displays fun times while embracing a sense or community and holiday spirit. I gave my honest review in exchange for an ARC of this
novel. It was a fun book and brought many smiles and warm thoughts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
23 reviews
December 4, 2020
I was already in love with the town of Apple Grove and it’s citizens, from visits there in the previous books in this series. But Apple Grove at Christmas is irresistible. Everyone should get to experience the warm, welcoming atmosphere of a place like Apple Grove. With it’s traditions, old and new. And it’s wonderful inhabitants, who grab onto life and love and ride them for all they’re worth. It’s the perfect place to make Christmas fantasies come true. From weddings to babies, to families formed by friends, this story is perfect for this season when making wishes come true, seems not only possible, but inevitable. Vicki always delivers the happily ever after, we all hope for. That on the way to that HEA, there are laugh out loud moments AND, touching, cry your eyes out moments, make the journey to get there as satisfying as the end result. I hope there will be many more trips to Apple Grove, in my future.
Profile Image for Quinn Fforde.
3,291 reviews15 followers
November 24, 2020
This is one of the most unique holiday romances I have ever read! Leo goes to incredible lengths to put Fiona at ease and is so sweet and understanding. I don't want to spoil anything, but they learn a lot about different ways of seeing. Those scenes were hot, funny, and incredibly romantic.
I loved reading about Leo and Fiona taking toys to kids around Apple Grove and generally enjoying the season. They get to spend lots of time with their friends at some big events. Again, no spoilers, but Garrett, CJ, Jake all choked me up in turn. I love the Brotherhood guys so much, so they hit me right in the feels when they get emotional. They also make me laugh when they tease each other. Leo was such a good sport about playing Santa for some not-so-little kids!
I have some guesses about the next book, and I am really looking forward to it. This is such a terrific series!
Profile Image for Lesley.
2,464 reviews19 followers
November 22, 2020
Movie Star Looks Stymies Romance.
Leo is knocked sideways by the news that Fiona refuses to date him because his good looks tie her up in knots. He comes up with a novel way of interacting with her not knowing who he is but, when the truth comes out a relationship in the shadows is all Fiona can handle. Can Fiona find the courage to face Leo in the light during the festive season, or will she break both their hearts?
An Insta lust/love story taking place 21-25 December. Would have preferred more conversation in their relationship, between the bedroom scenes but it was a cute read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Nancy Ku.
1,496 reviews17 followers
November 25, 2020
Secret-Santa Cowboy (The Buckskin Brotherhood Book 6) by Vicki Lewis Thompson
I have truly loved this series and recommend that you read the whole series....but each can be read as a stand alone. Everyone is in the story and there are updates on all relationships, but this book belongs to Leo and Fiona. I couldn't wait to finish the book and I didn't want it to end. So many feelings I laughed and cried and was so invested in their story. As usual Vicki added plenty of fun and steam to get us to a very HEA. I can't wait to find out what she gives us next.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Happily Ever After Easy-to-read Wonderful characters Romantic Steamy Funny Entertaining Great world building Page-turner Tear-jerker
Profile Image for Rukhsar (rukhsandbooks).
512 reviews16 followers
December 9, 2020
What a sweet sweet read!

This was my first festive read of the season and I loved it! I've been having trouble watching Hallmark Christmas movies this season and was worried as I started this book but it ended up being perfect. The best break from a busy weekend of final presentations and studying for my exam.

So many twists and turns it was hard to predict what would happen but I loved every minute of it. I'm also amazed at how wonderfully Thompson managed to pace all the events.

A lovely, light, and cheery read! In fact I think this is the fastest I've read a Buckskin Brotherhood story.

Low-key waiting for netflix or someone equally powerful to pick up the Bucksin Brotherhood series.

Thank you Vicki Lewis Thompson for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
2,687 reviews19 followers
December 5, 2020
Secret-Santa Cowboy was an interesting story from The Buckskin Brotherhood series. Leo had tried to get Fiona to go out with him but she has refused each time, although she did bid on him at the auction in a previous book. He had no idea why she would not go out with him until this book. When he finds out why he decides to be Santa to Fiona's elf as they pass out Christmas presents to children.

I thought their relationship was interesting, especially when Fiona took a few pages out of Miss Barton's journal. I enjoyed how the story ended. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Profile Image for Kathy Newcomer.
103 reviews5 followers
December 5, 2020
I love Christmas romances and cowboy romances, and when the two are combined it's great! Leo is one of my favorite heroes. He's not only handsome, but he's also a genuinely nice guy. Fiona had a hard time being around him because he was so gorgeous that she got tongue-tied. Even though she's attractive she doesn't feel like she's good enough for Leo. Leo goes through a lot to show Fi that he truly cares about her. If you like romantic and sexy stories, then you should definitely read this book!

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for James a Schmidt.
305 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2020
“Secret Santa Cowboy “(The Buckskin Brotherhood Book 6)

A book made for Christmas! This book not only is very Christmassy it’s about Cowboys too,which puts it up a notch in my book.A Brotherhood of ranchers at the Moose get together every year to get toys wrapped and distributed to those less fortunate,and this year they had an elf lady to help.She was extremely shy and was only herself with the guy in the Santa suit,in the dark.It gets sexy from there and more good things happen,but you’ll have to read it for yourself to really believe it!
23 reviews
January 25, 2023
Interesting twist on the appearances are everything mentality. When Leo discovers the only reason he can’t get a date with Fiona is because she thinks he is SO handsome she can’t hold no her thoughts and carry on a conversation he comes up with a few unique ways to make her more comfortable with his movie star good looks. As she takes him on a sensual journey of discovery, will they be happy as creatures of the night? Or I’ll Fiona be able to cast off her fears and meet Leo in the light of day. The connection to his “Buckskin brothers” is endearing. Quick read.
56 reviews
November 28, 2020
He’ll be her Santa tonight…
Buckskin Brother Leo Marston is used to women pursuing him because of his looks, but Fiona Hildebrand is the first to run in the opposite direction. What’s a guy to do? Volunteering to play Santa and handing out toys to needy kids, with Fiona as his helper elf, is the perfect opportunity to show her there’s more to him than a pretty face. Will the ruse work? Well, be careful what you wish for.
Profile Image for Annette.
3,167 reviews9 followers
December 5, 2020
This cowboy is ready and willing to take this challenge, his prize is worth it. I love that his interest in her is not superficial and that he doesn't mind that she's eccentric. Lovely story, great characters finding another chance to love, heartfelt magic of Christmas and very supportive Buckskin Brotherhood fulfills all my exceptions for an excellent, memorable, sweet with just enough heat, cowboy romance. I received a free advance copy without obligation but I also purchased a copy.
1,861 reviews9 followers
January 31, 2021
Scared of Falling in Love!

Secret-Santa Cowboy: Very special romance! Fantastic writing and dialog. I loved the characters so much and how they help each other in many ways. Fiona care so much for Leo but had a hard time relaxing around him unless they were in the dark. Then she discovered something about another someone in the past them she realized how much was like her and Fiona didn't want that for herself. I really enjoyed their story.
328 reviews
December 2, 2020
Leo is the kind of guy that every girl hopes to find; honest, kind, a good friend and seriously good looking. Unfortunately, his good looks keep Fiona from realizing who Leo really is. When Leo finally takes his shot with Fiona, she learns more about the sexy cowboy and about herself.
I read an advanced copy of this book
Profile Image for Martimagic.
410 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2020
This whole series is wonderful! The story of Leo and Fiona is a story of self worth and true romance. The characters bring you on from the very beginning and have you rooting for the HEA. A standalone story but I think the others in the series should be read first to understand the back stories and supporting characters.
154 reviews
March 10, 2024
AWESOME

We all have our past to deal with. With a lot of understanding from the ONE we love our past can blend in with our life with the ONE for us. A lot of love and communication will bring our lives closer to the happiness we deserve. May love catch you unaware and heal your heart for the ONE meant for you. GOOD LUCK



677 reviews2 followers
September 15, 2025
Christmas with the buckskin brotherhood

Everyone should have a group of friends like the buckskin brotherhood. They all work together to help Leo win Fiona’s heart. While Fiona and her friends are solving a mystery they are also there with the men celebrating a birth and unexpected proposal Leo and Fiona have the best Christmas ever
Profile Image for Kristy.
1,580 reviews19 followers
December 5, 2020
Leo and Fiona were so wonderful! Did their best in the dark... until Leo can't pretend it's enough anymore. I guess I didn't understand Fiona's unwillingness to even try in the beginning, but she certainly came out of her shell at the end! A wonderful Christmas-time story in Apple Grove!
Profile Image for Toni.
2,128 reviews20 followers
December 13, 2020
Christmas comes to Buckskin Ranch and you won’t be disappointed. Leo and Fiona are the perfect Santa elves. Watching them work through their perceived differences makes the Christmas magic all the more special.
16 reviews
December 16, 2020
Awesome Series

If you haven't read any of this series , then no time like the present, this is just an awesome book and you won't be sorry. You don't have to read them in order but I think you enjoy them more if you do. MS.Thompson is one of my favorite authors.
556 reviews
July 13, 2022
great Read

This is book 6 of this series and I enjoyed it as much as the other 5 books. I’m look8ng forward to reading the 6th book in this series and will definitely recommend it to family and friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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