Christmas at Colts Creek

Last Ride, Texas #2

by Delores Fossen

An unexpected inheritance rekindles a red-hot romance just in time for Christmas…

Janessa Parkman spent one long-ago summer in Last Ride, Texas, trying to bond with her estranged father, Abe. Turns out that was plenty of time to fall hard—and crash badly—for Brody Harrell, who managed Abe’s ranch. Everyone believed Brody would inherit Colts Creek one day, but now, fifteen years on, Abe’s will reveals the shocking truth—Janessa gets everything, and she must agree to stay in town for three months…through Christmas.

Brody’s attraction to Janessa burns hotter than ever. Though he refuses Janessa’s offer to give him the ranch, refusing her is impossible. Misunderstanding drove them apart once before, and secrets and betrayals run through both families. But what starts as a temporary Christmas fling might turn into a love strong enough to last every holiday season yet to come.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Contemporary, Westerns, Contemporary Romance, Western Romance

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 26, 2021

About the author

Thank you for finding me on Goodreads!

Want to know more about me? Well, here it is in a nutshell:

I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve sold over 100 novels. Yes, 100! Needless to say, I write a lot. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and I was a finalist for the Rita. My books have been featured in Vogue, Woman’s Day and Woman’s World. I’ve also had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. I love hearing from readers, and you can contact me through my webpage at: www.deloresfossen.com.

Reviews

["Avonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

CHRISTMAS AT COLTS CREEK (Last Ride, Texas Book #2) by Delores Fossen is a Western small town fiction story with a second chance romance, sort of, intertwined throughout the story. This story is set from just before Thanksgiving through Christmas. This is the second book in the series, but it is easily read as a standalone novel with very little crossover of characters from the first book.

Janessa Parkman arrives back in Last Ride, Texas just in time for her estranged father, Abe’s funeral. Her father has left instructions that his will be read at his graveside with his second ex-wife, his ranch manager, Brody, and Janessa present. Abe has left Janessa everything and she and her mother, Abe’s first wife, must stay in Last Ride for three straight months or everything will go to charity.

Janessa wants to give Brody the ranch and return to her life in Dallas, but he refuses even as the two find they are still as attracted to each other as they were as 18-year-olds. As they begin to work at unravelling the lies and secrets that have influenced both families for years, will the truth allow them to heal and come together again?

This is a novel with not only complicated characters, but several different plot threads weaving throughout the story. Janessa and Brody have a lot going on with their personal lives and around them with their families. Janessa’s life in Dallas working with troubled teens leaves her with a newborn. Abe’s exes are not only left with nothing in his will but have many reasons to hate him and keep Janessa and Brody apart. All the subplots slowly reveal secrets and disfunction throughout this extended family and are tied up by the end, but I feel the number of problems and secrets take time away from the romantic development of Janessa and Brody and left them with only an assumption of a HEA. The sex scenes in this story are explicit. While this story is set during the holidays, I felt it could have been set at any time; the holidays did not really affect the story or romance itself.

I enjoyed this story as a Western family drama with romantic elements.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

[I received a digital copy for an honest review]

Christmas at Colts Creek is the second stand alone in the Last Ride, Texas series by Delores Fossen. This holiday western romance was enjoyable from start to finish.

Tall and lean in his great fitting jeans, buckskin jacket and cowboy hat. No, Christmas at Colts Creek didn't get much better than this.

Janessa has been on her father farm since the last time she spoke to him, 15 years ago. Now she back in Last Ride, Texas for his funeral and the reading of his will. She expects it all to be left to the ranch manager, Brody, the man her father treated as a son and the boy who 15 years ago stole her heart. Everyone's world is thrown into upheaval when her father's will states everything is left to her as long as she and her mother must stay at the ranch for three months. If they don't then the inheritance will be put up for bidding and sold off. Once she convinces her mom to stay, things are far from smooth sailing with livelihoods on the line, her father's secrets coming to light , and her chemistry with Brody as strong as it ever was.

He knew exactly how she tasted, knew how her mouth would feel on his. Some memories just stayed with you, and kissing Janessa was one of them.

This was a really steady ready. From the beginning, I was intrigued with our main characters. Janessa is independent and kind-hearted with all the work she does with teens in need. She honestly wants to fix the trouble her father has caused and wants what's best for everyone. Brody is our typical handsome cowboy, but I loved that he wasn't stubborn or hardheaded when it came to Janessa. He quickly embraces their chemistry, and I appreciated that there wasn't unnecessary drama between them when it came to their relationship. Whether their relationship was going to progress to more than a fling or not, never affected their support of each other and their individual plans for the future. They simply worked well together and their relationship was delightful , with the bonus of it being steamy with them being unable to keep their hands off each other.🔥

Christmas at Colts Creek by Delores Fossen was simply a pleasure to read. A holiday western romance with second chances, family secrets, mischief in a hammock, and firework kisses.

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Christmas at Colts Creek delivered a second chance holiday romance. A second chance romance featuring a sexy and charming cowboy. This is the second book in the Last Ride, Texas series and it works well as a stand-alone. Based on the title, one would expect the story to be centered on the Christmas celebrations. Instead, the events which unfolded occurred between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Christmas at Colts Creek introduces Janessa Parkman. She returned to Last Ride, Texas. Seventeen years after her last visit, to attend her father’s funeral. Janessa and her father never had a relationship so his leaving her all his possession, came as a complete shock. However, her inheritance came with stipulations. For Janessa to keep it all, she and her mother, her father’s first wife, must stay in Last Ride for three consecutive months or everything will go to charity.

I found this to be an interesting story. Secrets and lies abound, and this led to some drama filled moments. The characters, both main and secondary, intrigued me and I was eager to learn what drove them. The chemistry between Janessa and Brody (the ranch manager) sizzled and popped throughout the story. Misunderstanding tore them apart seventeen years ago. Seventeen years later, secrets and a failure to communicate threatened to destroy their second chance at love. The events mirrored that of a soap opera.

This was my first time experiencing Will Damron’s narration. One could easily differentiate between his male and female voices. However, all the male voices sounded the same. His tone for the female voices changed for each of the characters. This made it easy to identify which of the female characters was speaking.

Christmas at Colts Creek may not have been a favourite, but it ended up being an enjoyable read.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

While only spending one summer of her life in at her father's ranch in Last Ride, Texas. Janessa Parkman finds it strange that now that he has passed, she is bound to inherit everything. The caveat is that she must spend three months there in order to inherit. This proves quite disturbing to Brody Harrell. He managed the ranch for years and thought that he earned the right to own it. For the most part, Janessa agrees. In fact, she wants nothing to do with it and offers to simply give it to Brody. She has a life in Dallas and wants to get back to it.

Brody knows he just cannot accept it, even if he has to deal with resentment that brews from the terms of the will. Factor in that both Janessa and Brody share a powerful attraction and things just got interesting.

As things evolve in this sensitive story, it proves that the two once really liked each other when they were 18-years-old, and those feelings quickly resurface. Beyond the romance that is brewing, there prove to to be secrets that create complications. Factor in Janessa's work with troubled teens and the holidays, and this book proves well-rounded and an excellent read. Although it is the second book in the series, it could very well be read as a stand-alone, but if you are like me you might enjoy the continuity that comes with reading the first book, Spring at Saddle Run. I am already eager to read the third book, Summer at Stallion Ridge, set for release in March, 2022.

Many thanks to HQN and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Amy’s Booket List · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this holiday romance, but I can't say that I loved it. I really needed more from the main characters and more christmas overall. The sex scenes were spicy but I didn't feel the chemistry coming from the main characters. I almost felt like there was too much going on but not enough depth. All in all, Christas at Colts Creek is an enjoyable book, but not a favorite.

[Catherine Mahr · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was the worst book i've ever read. First off, it started off extremely confusing and was made out to be more of a film scene than a book chapter. There was no introduction to the main character and her history with her father or anything about her until well into the book. It could be said that was a smart move by the author to have us discover her in the way Brody does, but it doesn't make sense that way either. Throughout the chapters, there were numerous changes in point of view, starting with first person and then immediately switching to third without any sort of transition, making it hard to read. There was also no chemistry between the Janessa and Brody. Sure, they thought they had chemistry from their history when they were 17 (which later the author says Brody was 18, which leads me to assume she didn't remember her own story line) but there was no real romance sparks. I love reading romance books, and im no professional critic on them, but the romance in this book feels forced and not at all real or dreamable in any way. The last thing that bothered me so much was the fact that not even halfway into the book, there were already 3 typos. The typos were very obvious ones too, words that should've been caught when it went through drafting and revising and editing because a third-grader can spell these words without a thought. It also took over half the book to get into the plot! The entire first HALF of the book is Janessa agreeing to stay in Colts Creek for Christmas. Instead of this being a romance book, it should be deemed a fiction book because the romance is non existent and the plot is so thin, the author had to take half the book to get into the obviously stated things on the back cover! I do not recommend reading this book, put it back on the shelf and walk away!

[Cassie Luellman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

This was an incredibly fun and spicy romance. The whole premise is just fantastic and Fossen infused just the right amount of humor, intrigue, and hotness to keep me completely enthralled in this story. I read this book in two sittings and time just slipped away as I sat totally engrossed in this world. Janessa was a heroine that I had an instant connection with and really admired the way she handled everything that was thrown at her. Brody was an equally great hero and I appreciated how honest both he and Janessa were, with not only each other, but everyone else as well. I should mention here that this book does include talk of toxic relationships and parenting, death of family members, a mention of suicide, and an abusive relationship.

*Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Ivana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simpa ljubavno božićna romansa sa srećnim krajem, inače u pitanju je trilogija Texas.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janessa is pretty surprised when she finds out that her estranged father left her the ranch after his passing. Everyone expected Brody to get it, I mean he was the one running things. But the ranch as well as the other things Janessa inherited comes with some rules she and her mother will stay there for a duration of time and if not they would loose everything as well as the knowledge at it will be impacting many other lives as well. As if Janessa needed any more issues Janessa will be taking in a foster child until the child's family member can adopt them but the biological father seems to be stirring things up. There are lots to think about for the next three months of her stay.

This was a slow read for me but a really good one. There was lots to unpack with this one romance, family secrets, problematic baby daddy. I loved seeing that romance simmer between Janessa and Brody and I couldn't help but root for the two. I loved getting to know them and seeing things reveal themselves as time went on. Then there was the pregnant teen and her partner who just wouldn't leave things be and becoming more and more hostile. I kept wondering if and when he would pop up to stir things up. Then there was the whole thing where Janessa had to look up her fathers history and learn more about him and it was pretty interesting seeing how everything played out. Overall great book I really enjoyed it.

[Kimberlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 very much enjoyed this.

[Donna Repsher · Rating 3 out of 5]

By the time 33-year-old Janessa Parkman gets a letter from her estranged father, Abe, with whom she spent only one summer when she was in her teens, telling her he needs her to come home to Last Ride, Texas, it's too late. While she was away on a business trip, he died, taking whatever secrets he had to the grave. She manages to get there just as his funeral is beginning. Shortly thereafter, when his will is read, Janessa is shocked by its contents--she is the sole beneficiary of his multi-million dollar estate, his ranch and his businesses, but there are a few stipulations, the primary ones being that she and her mother, Abe's ex-wife, live in his mansion on the ranch for 3 months. Janessa doubts her mother will agree--she hasn't returned to Last Ride she she left Abe after discovering that he was cheating on her, and swore that she'd never set foot in his house again.

Janessa lives in Dallas, where she and her ex-husband, Kyle, run Bright Hope House, a place where battered, abused and often pregnant teenagers can get counseling, and feel safe. It's work she loves, not money, and it's not work she wants to give up. She has another reason for not wanting to stay in Last Ride, Abe's ranch manager, Brody Harrell, to whom she lost her virginity as a teenager, and who she never quite got over after all these years. Janessa feels outraged that Brody, who'd managed the ranch for decades was left with nothing, not even the home he built on 5 acres of ranch property he bought from Abe, not to mention the hundreds of other ranch employees who will lose their jobs if Janessa and her mother fail to stay for 3 months. And that's just for starters.

This is a complicated novel, with many other characters, like Abe's other ex-wives, who were also left with nothing, Brody's younger adopted brother, Rowan, a pregnant teen from Bright Hope House who is terrified of the man who impregnated and abused her, and who now wants custody of her unborn child, even though she doesn't even want to see her baby when it's born, planning to give it up for adoption, the enmity among Abe's exes, and more. As the novel unfolds, we learn that almost every character in the novel has issues, a stake in the ranch, and a bone to pick with Abe.

While I enjoyed the complexity of this novel, and the slow reveal of details, what I didn't like was the way the relationship between Brody and Janessa was handled. While I enjoy the second chance at love trope, for most of the novel, the aforementioned characters appear to merely have a sexual fling. Janessa plans to head back to Dallas after 3 months, and Body just accepts it, both of them happy to have sex with each other whenever possible, but neither of them planning on any kind of relationship, and this is supposed to be a romance novel.

Yes, of course, there's sort of an HEA ending for all concerned, but it was given such short shrift at the end of the novel, that I was left unsure about how this couple would fare long-term. If ever a novel needed an epilogue, it's this one, which is the main reason for my giving it a 3-star rating. It simply could have been a much better read had the author spent less time on secondary characters and subplots, and more time and emotional development on the main ones.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.

[Maureen Hubley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Delores Fossen. Can't wait to read the.next.book in the series!

[Jackie Huddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in one day. Could not wait to finish.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janessa didn't really know her father Abe and she only spent one summer at his ranch, which he's now left to her with some interesting conditions. He left nothing to Brody, who managed it for years, or to his other ex-wives etc. Janessa and Brody had, ahem, a moment the summer they spent together and he's (of course) lingered in her mind, even though she's married, divorced, and made a good life for herself helping other women. Now, though, more or less forced to spend three months together, they find that there's still an attraction now that they're adults. There's more layers to this than I expected but it does boil down to a second chance romance between two well written characters- just what you need sometimes. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. A good read.

[Casey Brooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring! No action until the book was half way done. For a romance book it didn’t do its job for me. Read in 8 hours.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janessa Parkman got a letter from Abe Parkman, the father she only knew for one summer when she was a teenager. The letter asked for help with making things right. Unfortunately she'd been away on business and only received the letter on the morning of her estranged father's funeral in Last Ride, Texas. Janessa hadn't planned to attend the funeral but the letter changed her mind. After the funeral came the reading of her father's will. He left his ranch and all his businesses worth millions to Janessa with stipulations. Janessa, who is very busy running Bright Hope House, a place for troubled teens in Dallas, had to stay in Last Ridge for three months or everything went to charity. Also her mother, Abe Parkman's ex-wife, had to stay in Last Ridge for those three months too. Janessa didn't see that happening as her mother hated Abe and wouldn't even attend his funeral but Janessa wanted to meet the stipulations. So many people depended on the ranch, especially Brody Harrell who had managed the ranch for years. Abe had looked on Brody as the son he never had as far as Janessa knew. No one can figure out why Abe didn't leave the ranch to Brody. Yes, Brody Harrell, the guy Janessa fell in love with the summer she spent at the ranch. The one who broke her heart. The one she was still very attracted to.

Brody Harrell spent years managing Abe Parkman's ranch. He thought they had a great relationship and that Abe cared for him. Brody was just about the only one in the area who didn't suffer Abe's surly, mean attention. But Janessa is Abe's flesh and blood so Brody can't complain too much about Abe's decision to leave her everything. The three month stipulation, if Janessa and her mother could meet it, would be hard. Having Janessa around would test his will power for sure. When Brody saw Janessa he was ready to start right back up where they left off all those years ago when Janessa left.

Christmas at Colt's Creek by Delores Fossen is the second book in her Last Ride, Texas series. This is an emotional, fight-the-pull second chance romance. There are so many complications in the lives of the main characters, Janessa and Brody, that getting this couple their Happily Ever After took a long and windy path. I enjoyed this journey and was quite pleased with how things turned out for all the characters. I also liked the touch of mystery and suspense incorporated into the storyline. This is a feel good, heartwarming story of love, family and happy endings for all.

I received ARC and am happy to provide an honest review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Anything Delores Fossen writes goes straight onto my keeper shelf and her latest romantic page-turner Christmas at Colts Creek is certainly no exception!

Janessa Parkman has never quite managed to forget the summer she had spent at her estranged father’s ranch in Last Ride, Texas. Janessa had tried her hardest to bond with her dad Abe, however, she found herself getting distracted by drop dead gorgeous cowboy Brody Harrell, who ran her father’s ranch. Everybody believed that Brody would inherit Colts Creek one day – until the shocking contents of Abe’s will were revealed. Abe had left his ranch to Janessa and she gets everything providing that she agrees to stay in Texas for three months all throughout Christmas.

Janessa knows that going back to Colts Creek is going to bring with it a whole host of unpleasant memories – not to mention having to face the only man who had got under her skin whom she’s never managed to consign to the past: Brody! The proud rancher categorically refuses Janessa’s offer to give him the ranch, however, he quickly realises that saying no to her on a personal level is going to be far harder than he had initially thought. The attraction between them burns brighter than ever and giving into temptation quickly proves inevitable. However, what starts off as a festive fling quickly gives way to something far deeper than they ever imagined…

With the past still threatening to jeopardize their future, will Janessa and Brody find the courage to lay old ghosts to rest and grasp this second chance at happiness? Or will they always be haunted by secrets and mistakes from that long ago summer?

Delores Fossen is on top form with her latest contemporary romance, Christmas at Colts Creek. With her trademark blend of heat, heart, humor and sexy cowboys, Delores Fossen’s Christmas at Colts Creek is a poignant, uplifting and emotional tale about healing from the past, new beginnings and falling in love at the most magical time of the year that ticks all the right boxes.

With a swoon-worthy hero, strong heroine and plenty of intensity, sensuality and drama, Delores Fossen’s Christmas at Colts Creek does not disappoint.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book is a little misleading. It takes place through Thanksgiving and Christmas, but the seasons do not play a real part in the books. I do love the book though. I love that it centers around Janessa Parkman and Brody Harrell, who as teenagers had a relationship that ended when Janessa left the Colts Creek suddenly and she returns when she finds out that her estranged father had sent her a letter asking her to come back to the ranch, but she is too late to do as asked he , he has already passed and away and she finds out he left her the entire Parkman holdings that includes the ranch, which she knew should really go to Brody, as he has been the ranch manager for many years. And there is a stipulation for her to get the ranch. She must stay three months or else the ranch and all it's holding will be sold off and the people who have lived and worked on the land will be left with nothing. Janessa has a lot of things to think about, and one of them is Brody, as that attraction they had as teenagers is still as strong as adults and they need to find out if they can have a passionate "just friends" and walk away from each other at the end of the three months.

I loved that there is so many wonderful characters in this book, two of Abe's ex-wife's, Sophia who is Janessa mother, and Margo the women he married after Sophia divorced him. And the women Abe loved before both them, Brody's mother. All three of the women put their differences aside to help Janessa with the child she is fostering for one of the girls from her Bright Hope, the refuge for young women in trouble. They give the story a lot of moments to smile and chuckle.

As Janessa and Brody's attraction starts a bonfire of passion as they get through the terms of the will, the lies that they each were told and all the goes into life at Colt's creek, can they find there way back to something that will be lasting and give them each what they want. To have each other forever.
I love this series and I can't wait for the next one to come out to find out who in Last Ride, Texas is going to fall in love.

[Pj Ausdenmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delores Fossen is a master craftsman of complex characters, families, and stories, a skill that is on full display in this book. I was hooked from the first few pages and that involvement never let up. Fossen sprinkles the story with family secrets, high financial stakes, betrayals, a mystery, suspense, emotional depth, and just the right touch of humor. Her character development is spot on with an ensemble of main characters who are interesting, relatable, and, again, complex. Some are easy to root for. Others are more flawed.

I loved the sizzling chemistry between Brody and Janessa but also the tender emotions. They start out a bit rocky but that soon changes once the truth of what really happened when they were teens is revealed. I appreciated their open communication and support of one another and was fully on board with their evolving relationship. While they are the main focus of this story, I enjoyed how Fossen also used their interactions with other characters to advance the story, evolve their character growth, add humor, and deepen the emotional impact. This is a romance - I knew there was going to be a happy ending - but the journey to that destination was filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations that kept me eagerly flipping pages the entire way.

While this is the second book in Fossen's Last Ride, Texas series, it stands completely on its own with the hero and heroine from book one, Spring at Saddle Run, making only a brief appearance. If you enjoy spicy romance, emotional depth, complex characters, humor, and happily ever after, with a western flair, give this book a try. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am already looking forward to book three, Summer at Stallion Ridge, due to be released March 29, 2022.

4.5 Stars
ARC received for fair and unbiased review

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

The author did a marvelous job of finding the fiery and passionate heat that romances surrounding either a cowboy or ranch-style setting tend to have while striking a unique chord with the holiday romance readership as well. The themes of family secrets, overcoming bad past relationships, and learning to trust in love are all felt so wonderfully in this narrative, and the setting of the small town itself really makes the story feel vibrant and alive as if you could walk right into the town this holiday season.

The characters themselves popped right off of the pages of this novel. The painful memories of the past that haunt the two protagonists of this novel really draw the reader into the narrative and the character’s journey together as they reconnect, discover the lies that tore them apart before, and find a way to rekindle the flame between them that never truly died. The vivid imagery and passion of their scenes together are definitely steamy and adult romance enthusiasts will not want to put down this story as both the character’s heated romance and the dramatic narrative keep them on the edge of their seats.

The Verdict

A memorable, entertaining, and deeply rich holiday romance story, author Delores Fossen’s “Christmas at Colts Creek” is a must-read novel this holiday season. The perfect winter read for those who enjoy western or ranch-style narratives with a romantic twist will thoroughly enjoy this read, and the honest and hopeful final chapters will leave fans wanting more from this incredible romantic series.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complex family dynamics and a second-chance romance

Janessa is back in Last Ride for one reason - to bury the father she barely knew. Until his will and a quirky town tradition force her to fill in the blanks on the man she thought she knew.

Brody is the only one who misses the late Abe Parkman, and he wonders how he was able to see a different side of the man who was universally loathed by all. Nor does he know what to do with all this simmering chemistry he still has with Janessa, but then the secrets start bubbling to the top and it's soon clear that they still have a truckload of unfinished business.

This story is about so much more than the star-crossed love story between Janessa and Brody. There's so much family drama that shows just how intricately everyone was connected by secrets, lies, and passion and maybe even a little bit of love. It was a spellbinding story that kept me enthralled from start to finish.

If you like a little mystery with your dysfunctional family dramas, this book is what you're looking for. Brody and Janessa get a solid HEA that permeates their entire family network. I loved every bit, and I'm looking forward to the next book in this terrific series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Rebecca]

Disclaimer: I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

When I first picked up this book to read it I was a little scared I would be lost as it's the second book in a series. However, it read very easily and is capable of being a stand-alone book.

From the moment I started it I was intrigued by our main characters and felt compelled to learn all I could about them. Janessa is a kind-hearted, independent spirit who gives a lot to the teens she helps. She is also determined to fix the trouble her estranged father created.

Brody is your typical handsome cowboy but he knows things about Janessa's father that no one else does. He knew the man better than anyone.

Together it was quite a ride to see Janessa and Brody's attraction turn into something deeper. I was rooting for them from the get-go. This book held my attention from start to finish. The author created a story I couldn't put down and was able t read it in one day sitting on my porch.

Overall a great read and one I would recommend if you want a little holiday romance to keep you entertained this holiday season.

[Dita · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW//CW abuse,cheating,domestic abuse,sexual content

"But life rarely dealt out perfection. It was all about handling the imperfections and making them work. Sliding them until they fit."

Ah I love this book. It's a fun cute sweet holiday read. Another perfect holiday read for me. It's romantic, a mix between second chance romance and enemies to lovers with small-town holiday romance vibe. Yup it's a complicated one, yet still easy and fun to read.
I thought this one would be like those typical "inheritance with stipulations" stories, but this one is different, Janessa needs to stay at Colts Creek for three months to inherit everything that her father's has, yeah that part is pretty much the same, but then add her teenage crush that also a sexy cowboy, add her father's first love, add her father's ex-wife, add another her father's ex-wife, then add secrets, lies and betrayals. Oh yeah drama, drama, drama and I enjoyed every second of it.
This book also has wonderful loveable characters, love all their banters, they make me smile, frustrated, sad and happy.

A fun sweet romance read with wonderful characters, definitely recommended.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janessa Parkman & Brody Harrell

Janessa finds out that her father left her EVERYTHING at the gravesite but there are stipulations. Those stipulations require her to stay in Last Ride for 3 months, along with her mother Sophia, and she will inherit it all. Not easy to do when her life is in Dallas and she runs a home for wayward teens. it also hard to ignore Brody, the ranch manager, whom she had a fling with back when she was 17.
Things get complicated when a lot of other factors play in this story. Teagan, the pregant teenager who is giving up her daughter to have her sister adopt. Riggs the biological father who doesn't want to accept it at all. Brody's mom Darcia has a stake in whether or not Brody and Janessa get together. She's tightlipped herself about what is going on with Rowan.

she writes a good story with many tangents that all weave together. it doesn't tie up with a nice bow but enough to know that things are settled enough for the reader to know that they will work things out. I like the way Janessa talks to Brody at the end and tells him what she is NOT going to do.

[Katrina Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Delores Fossen book and it was given to me as a gift. I would rate it between 2 and 3 stars, but decided to go with 3 on Goodreads because I know the process and effort involved in writing a book.

Here is what I didn't love: the dialogue seemed like it was trying too hard to be funny. I'm all for a certain look or catch phrase helping to define a character for the reader, but I found the phrases in the dialogue too trite.

Another drawback for me was the "attraction" between the characters. The author told us over and over about how hot the main characters were for each other, but I didn't feel the connection between them. Why were they so into each other? Was it purely physical attraction? How did that develop into love? None of these questions were answered for me at the end of the book.

Lastly, were Janessa's daddy issues resolved? We found out why Abe had hired the PI, but she really didn't know her father any more at the end of the book, despite all of her "research."

I did like the ending. They didn't have to get married and the "To Be Determined" status of their relationship did fit with Janessa's life at that point.

[k2148 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at Colts Creek (Last Ride, Texas #2). By Delores Fossen. 2021. HQN Books. (eBook ARC).

The funeral of her estranged father, Abe, brings Janessa Parkman back to Last Ride after many years. And she finds herself staying longer than she expected as she tries to navigate the turbulent waters Abe’s will left her, his exes and his ranch manager, Brody Harrell, in. While not really focused on the Christmas holidays, the timeline does runs from Thanksgiving through Christmas and it could be argued that the amount of dysfunction the Parkmans, Harrells, and assorted company bring to the table is more than enough for several holiday get-togethers. Along with Janessa and Brody’s second chance which has a good deal of steam, there is small town charm with a dash of danger. I really enjoy reading romances from Delores Fossen and Christmas at Colts Creek is no exception.

*HQN Books ARC via NetGalley

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

A second chance romance for the holidays. Oh, and a second chance romance with a cowboy. Yep, this is my kind of read. I said 'holidays' for a reason: the story may have Christmas in the title, but it takes place over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. That said, it doesn't have the feel of a Christmas romance. The holidays kind of run in the background. So, it's a romance that takes place during the holiday season. Either way, it's an entertaining story. The pacing is steady, and Brody and Janessa have good chemistry. The back and forth between them is mostly about misunderstandings and a lack of communication, and there are secrets. That said, the angst is tempered with the chemistry between this couple. They certainly generate some heat, and they're easy to root for. This is the second book in Delores Fossen's Last Ride, Texas series, but it works well as a standalone, and it's a good way to spend a couple of cozy nights by the fire.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas at Colts Creek is the second book in the Lat Ride, Texas series. It can definitely be read as a stand-alone book. Characters from the first book, Spring at Saddle Run, show up here, but they aren’t integral to this story. This one is Brody and Janessa’s story. While it’s a pretty steamy romance, it’s also a story about forgiveness and family secrets.

I enjoyed the story. The romance was steamy and I enjoyed Janessa and Brody. They had great chemistry. I definitely was rooting for them. Aside from the romance, I loved the rest of the book and the revelations that come out about Janessa’s father. There are a few surprises that I didn’t see coming. I loved Janessa’s decision in the end, especially regarding Sweet Pea. I do recommend this one, especially for a good holiday romance.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the Last Ride, Texas series in which Janessa Parkman receives a letter from her father that she doesn't open until she attends his funeral--which she wasn't expecting. Neither his death nor the letter that generated more questions than answers.

When she returns to the big ranch her father owned, the manager of Colts Creek is the man who took her virginity years ago. And when the will is read, everyone is shocked that the old man didn't leave the ranch to Brody. Instead, it is to go to Janessa, but only if she lives there for 3 months. And her mother has to join her there for the same length of time. No way, say the women! But if they don't, what should have been Brody's will never be. What's Janessa to do?

Thus begins a tale bedecked with all manner of mysteries, gradually if shockingly revealed that winds relationships around more people than just Brody and Janessa.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure if it was just me but it was really slow to get going. I struggled getting into the book, it took about half way in before I really got into it. I really liked the last half till I realized there were less than 20 pages for them to finally admit their feelings and get together outside the fling. I hated that the end was so rushed and that there really didn’t seem to be any real resolution. No epilogue with a marriage proposal or or wedding or a flash to the future with their HEA, instead it’s just that she decides to stay in Last Ride and continue seeing Brody. I know there will be more books in the series to hopefully give you some perks into the future of their love story but I’m not sure I want to read more based on this one which sucks because I had high hopes for this book.