Holidays on the Ranch

Burnt Boot, Texas #1

by Carolyn Brown

No one delivers a cowboy romance like New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Brown!

Out of the army and looking for some peace and quiet this Christmas, former sniper Finn O'Donnell heads to the sleepy town of Burnt Boot, Texas. But Finn hasn't spent even one night at his new ranch when an army SUV pulls into the driveway and a familiar figure steps out. Finn doesn't want to revisit the past, but he owes Callie Brewster his life...

Callie never thought she'd see Finn again, but when her nephew is in trouble, a favor from an old army friend might do the trick. Callie does her best to keep her feelings for Finn to herself. She always knew Finn was honest and dependable, but how had she never noticed how handsome he was? He's not just good-looking, he's cowboy hot!

Now Finn's dealing with a woman in his house, a boy who's scared of his own shadow, and a feud going on among the other Burnt Boot ranchers. And in the midst of all the chaos, Finn is happier and more at peace than he's ever been before... Who knew all he needed for Christmas was a little romance at the ranch?

Previously published as Cowboy Boots for Christmas.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Westerns, Contemporary, Holiday, Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Hi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!

Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.

I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.

I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.

Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!

I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.

Happy reading!

Reviews

[Carmen · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 42%.

This book is beyond stupid and I've reached my limit.

Callie shows up at her former military partner's house with her 8-year-old nephew in tow. Instead of going into Witness Protection, they are going to hang out on his ranch. The 8-year-old witnessed a murder and is going to testify in court.

Hold on, we haven't even gotten to the stupid yet.

So... there is a huge feud in the town and two families hate each other. Not sure how rich these families are supposed to be, but each family has their own private school. o.O

Two "hussies" (this is how the book describes them) from each family set their sights on the hero, Finn, because... I don't know. All the men in town are boring compared to a handsome ex-sniper or something? I don't know.

These women LITERALLY do stuff like:
- walk up to Finn and kiss him on the mouth in front of Cassie and then insult her.

He didn't have time to shake his head, nod, or even blink before she rolled up on her toes and kissed him right smack on the lips. When he pulled away and took a step backward, she laughed.

"Now I believe that Santa delivers," she said with a grin. "I sat on his lap and asked him to bring me a hot cowboy with a cute little ass and promised if he would I'd mark him with a kiss. Oh, hello, Cathy."

"That's Callie," she said, coldly.

"Cathy, Callie. It doesn't matter. You're just the housekeeper," Betsy grinned and walked away.

- Both show up to Finn's ranch, unannounced, AT THE SAME TIME, each bearing a homemade baked good they made just for him, and launch at each other: screaming obscenities, scratching, slapping, and punching.

Callie, our heroine, PULLS OUT A LOADED GUN and fires six shots into a tree. SIX SHOTS. To break up two unarmed women fighting. As if that wasn't bad enough,

"If I was shooting at you, you'd be graveyard dead, woman. Get your sorry asses off this ranch, and don't come back or I might miss that 'squite tree next time and put a bullet in your boobs. I'm mean it, get out of here." She brought the gun up to aim at Honey's big breasts.

Never, ever aim a gun at someone you are not willing to kill. What the FUCK are you doing?!!?!? You used to be in the army, WTF are you thinking?!?!!?

Also, what is this, if you have big breasts you must be a "loose woman" or some shit?!!?!?!? Fuck that noise.

- There's a kind, fat sheriff who flirts with Callie, but, of course, fat people are to be mocked and pitied, and Brown has him accidentally step in bullshit and stuff because we have to make him completely a clown so that the hero isn't threatened. He doesn't deserve this kind of treatment and I want to state for the record I'd take the chubby, kind sheriff any day over our bossy, stupid hero.

- The hero and heroine adopt everything in sight. I think Brown is under the impression that this makes her book cute and charming.

Finn has a yellow lab named Shotgun, then they find a yellow cat under the truck when they go to the store, then they find a parrot and a chihuahua IN THE SNOW in November... the parrot has an unbelievable vocabulary and says "cute" things at all the "right moments" which I guess is supposed to be humorous.

Then when I DNFed they were just taking in a lonely old woman and also three foster kids. You know. As one does.

- The bullshit with the sheriff isn't the only time Brown uses it as a comedic device, there's actually a scene in this book where A BULL TAKES A SHIT ON SANTA. Um... No, just no. I'm not on board with this.

- The "deep, romantic" conversations between Finn and Callie are mind-numbingly stupid. SO STUPID, OMG.

- The writing style is terribly straightforward and boring.

Tl;dr - It kills me to DNF; I hate doing it. However, in some cases it's necessary.

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holidays on the Ranch is book one in the Burnt Boot, Texas series by Carolyn Brown. This book was previously published as Cowboy Boots for Christmas. It got a new name and cover but the content is the same. This book has just about everything a western romance lover could want, swoony cowboy, a beautiful ranch at Christmas time, lots of adorable animals, and a bunch of kids that will both steal and break your heart.



Finn O’Donnel is an ex-army sniper. After spending some time on his family’s ranch, he knew it was time to find a place of his own to call home. As soon as he stepped foot on the Salt Draw ranch in Burnt Boot, Texas, he knew that it was the one. It was he and his dog, Shotgun’s first day in his new home when the SUV pulled up. He couldn’t believe who stepped out! His old partner when he was in the army!

Callie Brewster left the army two years ago to take over guardianship of her then six year old nephew after her sister’s death. Now Martin was eight and they were in trouble. The only person she trusts is Finn, her previous partner. Callie had always had a crush on Finn but never let it show. They knew each other better than anyone else did. And she knew Finn was the only one she could trust to keep them safe.



Finn had been facing a lonely life, just he and his dog, on the ranch. But all of a sudden, he had Callie and Martin there, and he loved it. Over the next week, Finn, Callie and Martin’s lives were going to change in so many more ways, with the addition of all kinds of animals and so much more. Most importantly, though, is the development of Finn and Callie’s relationship. That closeness was still there but now that they are both civilians, there is nothing holding them back from how they feel.

When Finn moved to Burnt Boot, he envisioned an idyllic little town but it turned out nothing like he thought. There was a HUGE feud going on between to large wealthy families in town, the Gallaghers and the Brennans. Salt Draw is land both families covet and the new, handsome cowboy is fresh meat to the women in both families. Finn and Callie want nothing to do with the feud but can’t help but to be pulled into the craziness.



I really enjoyed this book! Finn and Callie were perfect together. I am such a softie for kids in books and the kids in this one squeezed my heart non-stop. Some of the behaviors of the women of the two feuding families bothered me. And the ending of the book was abrupt. But, I am pretty sure there will be plenty more of this family in the coming books in the series so perhaps we will get to see some of their future. I do wish there had been some sort of epilogue though. But when I finished the book, my heart was full.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had forgotten I had read this book awhile back until I saw on my friend's table. As I glanced through it I remembered how funny it was. There is some drama with military ptsd but for the most part it is heartwarming, romantic, and funny as crap.....my opinion. 2 war vets, one with a 7 yr old nephew she is trying to keep safe, a cat, 2 dogs, a spitfire pseudo grandmother, 2 fueding families crazier than the Hatfields&Mccoys, and one foul mouthed funny parrot! All combined makes for fun reading :)

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cowboy Boots For Christmas is the first of the Burnt Boot Texas series. This is a series that involves a family feud. This book sets up in a way that we begin to see the drama that resides between these two families. Callie and Finn oncce worked together in the military, and became the closest of friends, but the timing wasn’t right for them to pursue their relationship romantically. Now Callie is the legal guardian of her nephew and has come to Finn for a safe haven until her nephew can testify in a crime he witnesses. Callie has always despised ranches and cowboys, but Finn is a man she has always loved. Both Finn and Callie begin to reconnect with each other, and we see the affectioin and friendship that has always resided between them both. Then we see the chemistry build and loved seeing them work through past issues.

This is a romance that is slow building and has some added elements that made me love it even more. We have a dog, some baby puppies, a crazy parrot that has watched too many crime movies, a adorable little boy and his endeavor to save his three friends in foster care who are about to be seperated and thrown back in the system unless something can be done for them. Then we have a old lady that once owned the spread that Finn bought, and wants to be a “grandmother”. A crazy feud interferring with the romance between Finn and Callie and some interesting flair of dramatics makes for quite a fun and sexy read with a Christmas tone to the story that has me so ready for the holidays!! By the end I wanted to start listening to some christmas tunes and setting up the lights.

There were some portions of the story that felt a bit slow at times, but overall it was a romance that was enjoyable and sweet with a small town feel to it. Perfect for a comfort read on a cold winters night.

[Emily Hawboldt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Worst book in the genre I've read yet lol

[Kimberly Rocha~ Book Obsessed Chicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one thing you all must know before reading a Carolyn Brown book is that her stories will leave you in an innate state of euphoria. I am always left with a smile and a sense of satisfaction when I have finished with a Carolyn Brown book. This one in particular has me asking a few times "Oh, did that really just happen?", and that is a very good thing.

Retired Army sniper, Finn O'Donnell hangs up his dog-tags and puts on a cowboy hat when his second tour in Afghanistan is over. Finn buys a ranch in Burnt Boot, Texas and attempts to begin a new life, but those memories from his tour of duty keep him awake at night and impede his moving on. Since moving to the Salt Draw Ranch with his dog, Shotgun, he's been plagued with the FBI and CIA asking for his help, but Finn wants no part of it. When a few very government looking vehicles appear on his ranch, Finn is prepared to send them on their way until he sees a sight for sore eyes, his BFF, Callie Brewster.

When Callie Brewster appears on Finn's ranch with a young nephew in tow, asking for refuge instead of going into the witness protection program after her nephew witnesses a murder, Finn happily takes her in with the young'un. Callie promises to take care of the house, while Finn takes care of the land, but now that they aren't in the military can this former sniper and his spotter keep is platonic. Most importantly, do they want to keep it that way. Oh come on, you know the answer to that question.

Once Callie and her nephew Martin are all tucked away at the ranch, the fun begins when they become intimately acquainted with the very interesting inhabitants of Burnt Boot and a Hatfield and McCoys type feud going on between the town's well to do Gallagher and Brennan families. When two ladies, from the opposing families set their eyes on Finn, and I use the tern LADIES loosely because Betsy and Honey are NO ladies, Callie brings it on. FYI, you are going to love this.

In addition to all this going on, the former owner of the Salt Draw Ranch, Verdie, who now lives in an adult community, is lonely and misses her hometown and her friends. So this hurricane of a lady comes to the Salt Draw for an extended visit. Verdie is a force to be reckoned with and with her presence back on the ranch and in Burnt Boot, the fun really begins. She quickly takes over the kitchen like the old pro she is and worms her way into the hearts of all involved all while secretly conspiring to throw Callie and Finn together. Lord, I love this spunky lady.

With so much insanity going on around Callie and Finn, it's a wonder that the two who have been yearning for one another's company for so long, get a chance to even be alone with one another for five minutes, much less steal a kiss or two... or maybe three. With the Christmas season in full swing, the Christmas spirit takes a firm hold on the Salt Draw and its inhabitants, and the menagerie of unusual people surrounding them, makes this one sleigh ride that can't be missed.

One word for COWBOY BOOTS FOR CHRISTMAS (Cowboy Not Included) by Carolyn Brown, INSPIRING... Ok I have more words actually. As in every single one of Miz Brown's books, I come away with sheer elation. happiness and satisfaction. Finn, Callie, Verdie and the rest of the Burnt Boot residents each have their own little quirks, faults and reasons to fall in love with them. Carolyn Brown expertly weaves her tale of the budding romance swiftly growing in the midst of an insane family feud. Trust me, it all fits! I love how I felt like I was part of the insanity and ,in fact, quite happy to be there. I most favorably recommend COWBOY BOOTS FOR CHRISTMAS (Cowboy Not Included) by Carolyn Brown and I hope you love it as much as I have.

~KIMBERLY~

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun and sweet read!

Retired Army partners Finn and Callie had shared some bad times and some good times while serving in the Army (and some secret hot thoughts). A few years have passed and now Callie is in need of her friends help. Her nephew witnessed a crime and is set to testify against the criminal but until then they need to be protected. Finn is more than willing to help out and hires Callie as his ranch hand/cook/housekeeper and the sparks fly along with the adventure.

With a name like Burnt Boot, you know this town is going to be crazy! Feuding families, crazy pranks, old busybodies, lost animals, runaway kids, and some old fashioned Christmas Magic make this book a wonderful fun read. Memorable characters both human and not human. Just love that crazy bird Joe, "Cops. Run. Dog. Run. Dog." And the senior Christmas program what a funny novel idea. Not to mentioned that long supressed passion between Finn and Callie....and Callie coming to terms with her past and fear that she is a runner and not a stayer......and love is worth the risk.

A well written fun read. I totally enjoyed the fun adventures of Finn, Callie, Martin, Verdie, and pets plus the madcap craziness of the two feuding families.....and yes, those families are nuts!!!!

[Donna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite frequently the dialogue between the characters made absolutely no sense. Continuity was also missing.
I've read this author before and have noticed the same problems. I thought I'd give her another chance. I give up.
Do not understand how her books get such good reviews. Maybe I'm just expecting too much, but I really think if you're going to write a book it should flow correctly and be understood by the reader. Not leaving the reader shaking their head or wondering what the heck just happened.
I cannot in good conscience recommend this book.

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Copy Provided by Netgalley and the Sourcebooks Casablanca for an honest review**

This was a really sweet read about two former colleagues who reconnect when her nephew needs to go somewhere safe after witnessing a murder.

Callie was Finn's spotter for six years and they already know each other inside out and they always has a thing for each other but knew that they could not act on it when they were in service.

The sparks fly right from the beginning with these two, simple little touches here and there, a flirtatious word, and tiny little kisses started by Finn.

I loved the introduction of Vergie and thought she was a wonderful woman , and I loved than Finn was such a sweetheart in adding so very and quickly to his new extended family.

Really looking forward to Sawyers book and to see what else the Gallagers and Brennans get up to next in their family feuds.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to move to Burnt Boot Texas and meet a Good looking O'Donnell Cowboy.. And I want to be just like Callie with a little bit of Verdie thrown in for good measure.. Never mind that Finn O'Donnell and Callie Brewster knew one years ago in the war and now Callie is seeking refuge for her young nephew and herself at Finn's ranch, but throw in some orphan kids dogs, cats and bird at Christmas time and you have a wonderful heartwarming, romantic, sexy holiday story. And in the mix is two feuding families who keep life interesting as Finn and Callie fall in love...

Carolyn Brown always gives her readers a wonderful story and this book is no exception. If you don't read another Holiday read this season, make sure that this one is on your TBR shelf.

[Katherina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was trying to find the right words to describe how the book made me feel; imagine you're sitting in your breakfast nook with a nice cup of coffee, the kids are outside the window playing with the dogs in the fresh fallen snow and you're reading the book. You know that the world is not perfect, but for a few precious hours while reading this great story, you forget about your worries and enjoy a Cowboy Christmas. The fact that I neither have dogs nor a breakfast nook and it's summer only shows you what a phantastic writer Carolyn Brown is.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever I want to curl up with a down-home, heartwarming read that includes small town quirky characters and a cowboy needing love, I reach for the latest book by Carolyn Brown. She talks Texan, knows ranch life, and must have spent her life in a small town because lordy its full immersion when you pick up her books. This latest one- and the start of a new series though it has loose connections to a previous series- had the added element of featuring two military vets for the hero and heroine along with a bunch of cute kids, a hilarious menagerie of animals, a town feud and a savvy group of old ladies. It didn't wow me with fireworks in the bedroom or pulse-pounding action, but it did leave me with a warm feeling and a smile on my face.

The story opens when, Finn O'Donnell, former Army Sniper and ranch hand for his own family ranch, buys his own spread outside the small town of Burnt Boot, TX and moves there with his dog, Shotgun, where he hopes for a bit of peace and quiet. That all gets upended when he steps out on his porch to see his old spotter and secret crush, Callie Brewster, and her nephew, Martin, arriving to beg a place to stay. Martin witnessed a murder and they need somewhere to hide out until the trial. Callie knows Finn's place is remote and Finn can protect them. Finn agrees wholeheartedly realizing that Callie and Martin are just what he needed if only he can get the skittish Callie to fall in line with his Christmas plans.

Callie had her eye on Finn since the moment they became a sniper team, but the rules about fraternization, Finn's attraction to another woman and her own family emergency separated them and they lost contact. Now here he is, unattached and still very attractive. Callie might be willing to scratch an itch, but she's terrified to try for anything permanent and that includes letting Martin get that pair of cowboy boots he wants because that signifies a degree of attachment to Finn's ranch that she's afraid to want. But when she and Martin are only the first of the homeless refugees through Finn's door and a few other ranch beauties are eying up Finn taking the local feud to whole new levels, she has some decisions to make because Finn wants every last person and animal that found their way to his ranch to stay. Permanently. Can she set aside her fears and reach out for her own brand of Christmas joy?

The plot meanders along a bit slowly teasing out the life of Burnt Boot, Finn and Callie's history together and their tentative try at romance in the present, the ongoing feud between two big ranching families, and of course all the Christmas activities that run throughout the story.

The cast of characters is large and includes some adorable animals. Joe the parrot kept me in stitches when he broke out in talk. I loved the three older women that had their own schemes, but kept neutral in the feud. And the members of that feuding group? Whew! Over the top hilarious. I really took to Finn, but Callie wasn't an instant sell. I liked a lot about her and respected her for the job she did in the Army, but she lets her fear that she'll be like her flighty mom and sister get the better of her and made me get impatient with an otherwise sensible woman (which isn't really fair to her since the whole story took place in a few weeks' time frame). Intellectually, she knew she had a good deal and it was the real goods, but she was afraid to believe. Finn had his own trust issues after a woman used him and made a fool out of him, but he was able to push that aside and not let it rule him. I enjoyed the introduction near the end to the hero of the next book too.

As a holiday read, this one is filled to the brim of homey Holiday goodness. It has a bit of a fairytale quality to it or Christmas magic if you will. This put together family just keeps growing and adding as they enjoy the holiday activities and festivities together.

All in all, it was a slightly spicy holiday, small town cowboy contemporary romance that I would recommend to those who enjoy slow pace feel good reading.

My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars: A sweet, feel good holiday story that will make you laugh and cry.

Finn is still trying to reassemble is life after his tour of duty in the military. He has just settled into his new ranch when a surprise pulls up to his door. His former sniper partner, Callie, arrives with her nephew Martin in need of a place to stay for awhile. Callie and Martin are in the witness protection program, and what better place to hide out than a ranch in Texas in a small town? Callie and Finn were solid partners, but neither admitted their attraction to one another. Will love and holiday cheer find its way to Burnt Boot?
What I Liked:
*Without a doubt, Carolyn Brown has become one of my go to authors when I need a fun, feisty romance. Her books have terrific characters, and they never fail to make me smile. I loved that this was a true holiday themed book that incorporates everything you love about the holidays. If you want a lovely holiday book this is one to add to your list.
*The romance is a nice, steady slow burn. Callie and Finn were partners in the military, and they both were attracted to each other, but never acted on their feelings. Now two years after they parted, they are back together, and those sparks of attraction are stronger than ever. I liked that even though there was chemistry, the romance took its sweet time building. It bloomed slowly and sweetly. I liked the way the two fit together and that they healed one another as both Callie and Finn were carrying around baggage from their tours of duty. This romance was just right.
*A Carolyn Brown story isn't complete without animals, adorable children and a feisty old gal to whip everyone in shape. It seems that Finn's ranch becomes the perfect place for strays and before long Finn is taking in abandoned animals: a foul mouthed parrot, a Chihuahua, and an injured kitten. I loved the animals. Then the family grows with the return of Verdie, who becomes the ranch's surrogate grandma. There is still one more addition to this hodge podge group, but I won't spoil it for you, read the book. It is truly heartwarming.
* This is a feel good read perfect for when you need a pick me up or for the holidays. This isn't one of those books that is billed as a holiday book but doesn't fit the bill. Carolyn Brown incorporates snow, holiday parties, Christmas trees, home cooking and generous hearts who show the true spirit of Christmas. Everything you want in a good holiday themed book. Without a doubt the best holiday book I have read this season.
And The Not So Much:
*There was some type of relationship in Finn's past while he was on active duty that prevented he and Callie from getting together. I kept expecting a full reveal of what went down but there are only brief mentions. Something about a girl that Finn dated who turned out to be a spy. I wanted more information on this part of the story.
*The whole witness protection program thing never felt genuine. It isn't a big issue but it felt a bit contrived.
*Burnt Boot is a small town with generations of family. Two of the settling families, the Gallaghers and Brennans, are in a long standing Hatfield and McCoy type feud. While some of the antics were funny, many of them were downright mean, and it took away a bit from the feel good theme of the book. I wasn't a fan of the women slapping and hitting and bad mouthing one another any time any place. I just didn't like the nastiness in my warm and fuzzy holiday read.

Cowboy Boots for Christmas is a charming, sweet holiday read that will melt your heart. It has a slow, satisfying romance built on a long term friendship. Not to mention a well rounded an entertaining cast of characters from cute animals to adorable kids. If you want a warm, fuzzy book perfect for the upcoming holiday season, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Cowboy Boots for Christmas.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cowboy Boots for Christmas is the first book in Carolyn Brown's Burnt Boot Texas Series and the first book by Carolyn Brown that I have read.

This book centers around Finn and Callie. They were partners (sniper and spotter) in the army and best friends who were attracted to each other but due to the rules never did anything about it. Then Finn met a woman and fell in love with her and Callie got out of the army to take care of her nephew when her sister died.

Two years later Finn is out of the Army as well and settling into life as a new owner of a ranch. Callie and Martin are supposed to go into witness protection after Martin witnessed a murder but instead Callie heads to Finn's ranch for protection.

Both Finn and Callie are strong, likeable characters. I liked the slow build of the romance from friendship to more. I liked how well they knew each other and that they didn't have a big conflict but slowly grew to more. The secondary characters were fun and entertaining and there was a lot of humor in the book especially the parrot! I liked Martin and the other stray animals they took in and I even liked the other three kids although I seriously doubt they would be that well adjusted that quickly after everything they had been through.

It's a fun, entertaining Christmas story with all the tree lighting, Christmas tree trimming, Holiday Parties and more. However, not everything is light and fluffy. There is a feud going on between the two main families in town that was funny but at times ridiculous and over the top. The woman acted like children even getting into hair pulling, slapping fights.

From reading the blurb of the book I thought there would be some suspense but the Witness Protection story really went no where and wasn't a part of the story except as a reason to bring Callie back into Finn's life. I was a bit disappointed in that aspect of the story.

Still overall, for an entertaining Christmas Contemporary Romance read this is a good one.

[Sharlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Carolyn's Spikes and Spurs series about the O'Donnell brothers & sisters. This is about one of their cousins, Finn, who has just purchased a ranch & moved in with his dog. Since he has been out of the military, the government keeps trying to get him to come back & work for them, so when he sees the trucks pull up, he thinks it's more of the same. It is actually Callie, his military partner, and her deceased sister's son, who witnessed a murder. Callie can't think of anyone she would feel safer with than Finn & Finn never realized how much he missed her till she showed up. They form a make-shift family, including some stray & abandoned animals along the way. It builds to a whole other type of family. Meanwhile, Finn starts sneaking kisses & they both start acting on the attraction they never acknowledged when they were working closely in Afghanistan. There is a local family feud going on & the two rival families each have a bitchy woman that goes after Finn, which also leads to some pretty explosive fights!There is no doubt about the love between Callie & Finn, but it takes a cast of characters to get them to where they need to be. Loved this book!

[Sonnie Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all of Carolyn Brown books. Took me awhile to get to this but really enjoyed it.

[Christi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe this one is just not for me. Gonna give up after 75 pages. It just reads too hokey.
I could probably end up enjoying the main storyline (somewhat) but the convoluted plot of the feuding families, some doses of religion and the aw shucks attitude just is not working for me right now.

[Angela Parks]

I don’t know what to rate this book. I believe this author would do a great job writing children’s books.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this even though it was not completely believable. But it is exactly the kind of family, life and home I would love to have. The unbelievable part is the crazy feud, the way so many kids and pets just worked in the family, that Verdie was so capable and helpful, and the birth control issue.

I loved Verdie so much. The kids were amazing. I'm excited to see what happens next with Sawyer moving to town.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It's not the size of the ranch, darlin'. It's the heart that runs it."

I was in the mood for a Christmas story and a cowboy so I picked this one for a reread because I knew that Carolyn Brown was the author to go to. A sweet and comfortable romance is what I needed and what I got.


Finn O'Donnell was a Sniper for the army but he's done with this life, no matter what the alphabet agencies might offer him. All he wants now is to take care of his ranch in Burnt Boot and to be left alone with his dog, Shotgun. But that's the total opposite of what he'll get for Christmas.

Callie Brewster got her nephew's custody when her sister was killed in a car accident a couple weeks before. Martin was in foster care but she convinced the authorities to let her have him. Callie and her nephew should be in Witness Protection (he witnessed a murder in an alley behind her apartment) but not only Callie refuse this life, she trust her army's pal more. So she seek refuge at Salt Draw and they'll stay until the trial.

Finn and Callie said their goodbye in Afghanistan two years ago. The sparks were always there between them but nothing happened because Finn was in a relationship and they preferred to focus on the missions anyway (he's single now).

"Yes, that was her Finn: the man she'd had a crush on for three years, though she'd never said a word about it. They were partners, sniper and spotter, and were closer than a husband and wife in lots of ways. But partners didn't act on crushes and they damn sure didn't get involved with each other, not when they had to do jobs that Finn and Callie were called upon to do."

That's why it felt so genuine for Callie and Finn to fall in love fast and easily embark on a path that lead to serious commitment, even if both had reservations. And let's just say that the lonely Christmas the hero envisioned will soon become crowded, thanks to the MC propensity in taking in strays and two feuding families in town, but no matter the noise, the shenanigans and the changes of plan, Finn wouldn't have it any other way.

"The house didn't seem nearly as empty that evening as it had two days before. But then how could a room, a house, even a whole base or a whole ranch be empty with Callie on it? She brought energy and warmth to every place she went."


So things tend to be a little bit over the top sometime, but that's a thing I'm used to with this author's writing style and it works for me in her books. Cowboy Boots for Christmas is one of her best, because it always works best with me when there's kids and animals (Joe was hilarious!) and I like the special bond between Callie and Finn and their whole history and how the author briefly touched on the subject of PTSD without losing the lighter vibe of the story.

"You are beautiful in the moonlight, but you are absolutely breathtaking in the sunlight, Callie."

[Penny Ramirez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. I'm sure there is an audience for this book, but it is NOT me.

Two things kept me from enjoying this book: The over-the-top accented dialogue, and the sheer volume of plot complications that were thrown at the protags, both of which made it difficult to discern the romance. The book is a spinoff from a previous series, and if I'd read that, it might have made it easier to makes sense of some of the events.

Protags are both retired Army, and were partners (he was a sniper, she was his spotter).

Finn bought a ranch to settle down - all alone in a new place, but for his dog and some cattle.

Callie came back to take custody of her nephew, after her sister died. Her nephew witnesses a gangland-style murder in a Dallas alley. Fearing for his life, she chooses to find the cowboy for protection instead of going into Witness Protection. (PC#1)

The town where the ranch is located is suffering from a long-standing family feud. (PC#2) Both families want the land on which Finn's ranch is located, and both have single women who will stop at nothing to get the ranch and the cowboy for themselves (PC#3).

Both have PTSD (PC#4). Neither can resist a stray, whether it be animals or people (PC#5). A stray dog and parrot (companions) are hiding out in the barn. Soon, the woman who sold Finn the ranch has moved back home, to take care of the 3 foster kids who Callie's nephew had befriended, and were being split up and sent to new homes because their foster mother is about to die from cancer (PC#6).

Oh, and Callie has commitment issues because her mom had 2 kids by 2 different men and never settled down, then died when Callie was 16. And Finn has commitment issues because while he was attracted to Callie while they were partners, he fell in love with a translator, who was killed by an IED, but then later was discovered to have faked her own death because she was really a spy (PC#7).

I'm not making this up. And I haven't even begun to describe the shenanigans the feuding families get up to (PC#8, 9, 10). And of course it's almost Christmas (PC#11).

I'm exhausted. I feel as though I spent a lifetime reading this book, although it was apparently only 3 days.

[Kame · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know you can't go wrong with Carolyn Brown!

Finn has just moved into his new ranch when his former sniper spotter and her nephew arrive asking for a safe place to stay. He has not seen Callie in two years but the feelings he buried down while they worked as a team start to come back.

Finn is a great combination of solider and cowboy. I love his warm heart. Callie is a caring aunt to her orphaned nephew and is scared she is just not meant to be part of a couple. They have a connection that only two soldiers who have seen war can have, and both have lots of love to give.

This is a very easy plot to follow and it is easy to see how this will progress into its own series. We first met Finn in Cowboy Seeks A Bride so if you are a Carolyn Brown fan he might seem familiar. There is a ongoing theme of a feud in town I found this part of the plot less appealing and at times annoying and testing of my patience. I will definitely read the next book in the series but it is more to read about Finn's cousin Sawyer and not the family feud.

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review.

[Renee Entress · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story flowed well and I was kept interested. The story has laughs, crazy family feuds, and sweet romance.

This is Callie and Finn’s story. Callie has come to town so she can get help protecting her nephew as he witnessed something. Finn and Callie served together he is a sniper and she was his spotter. They are both pulled into the family feud in the town as the 2 girls from different families have set their sights on Finn. Callie is gonna help out Finn around his ranch and then get her nephew to court to testify. They have both wanted each other for years but never acted on those feelings can they really act on them now? How if the feud going to affect them getting together?

I loved these characters and also the side characters. There are some tear filled moments and some anger filled moments in this story. But all in all I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story in this series.

[Lisa Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several of Brown's books in the past and enjoyed this one enormously. I'm still not sure if I cried or laughed the most while reading what has to be Carolyn Brown's crown jewel in her magnificent selection of cowboy romance books. The main characters, Finn and Callie, were people that I would give my
eyeteeth to have as friends and the assortment of secondary characters (and they certainly were characters) could only be found on an episode of Andy Griffin. Toss in a couple dogs, a kitten and a bird that could swear like a sailor and few kids and this book was bursting with life and hope for the upcoming Christmas season. I've read several new Christmas books recently and have several more to read but doubt any will top the "Christmas story" of love and hope that Brown was woven for us in Cowboy Boots For Christmas.

[Kristin Backus · Rating 5 out of 5]

instantly hooked right from the beginning. loved this story

[Vann · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF- what a bizarrely contrived book. It was exhausting to try to follow how many plot lines got thrown in without making sense or having follow through (she’s supposedly needing witness protection but on day 1, they go into town and give both her and the kids full, real names to everyone they meet? ) add in a lot of her randomly asking about church when it has nothing to do with the conversation and some odd/icky racial descriptions of people and now feuding families? Finding a parrot in the barn (as well as a dog and cat around town-is ho a Walmart Disney princess?), it’s Christmas, his ex being a spy? All in the first 3 chapters. The dialogue is choppy and there’s no flow that can be followed it is just bam this happens bam she says this bam they walk bam she grabs hamburger meet. Very no show all tell.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun book. Finn O'Donnell is cousin to the O'Donnells of the Spikes and Spurs series. He has left the army after serving as a sniper and is looking for a place where he can have some peace and quiet. He found a nice little ranch in Burnt Boot and has moved in with his dog Shotgun. Ever since he got out, he's been pestered by various government agencies who want him to come work for them, but he's not interested. One day he sees another pair of government vehicles coming his way and is ready to send them away too - until his old friend Callie Brewster gets out of one of them.

Callie had been Finn's sniper partner in the army. She hasn't seen him in two years, but when her young nephew witnesses a murder, they need someplace safe to go. Finn is the only one she trusts to have her back and a small town like Burnt Boot should be a good place to hide. She doesn't expect to get caught up in the middle of a feud.

I loved both Finn and Callie. Finn has been having a rough time since he got home. He's had frequent nightmares and being around too many people makes him jumpy. He bought a ranch from an older woman who wanted to retire, and hasn't even had a chance to finish unpacking when Callie and Martin arrive. Callie had been his partner for a long time, and they had been really good friends. What Callie hadn't known was that Finn had also been attracted to her, but getting involved romantically would have been a very bad idea. Now that Callie is out also, and will be living on the ranch with him, he starts thinking that maybe this is the time to pursue that attraction. The only thing that might hold him back is a problem thinking long term. Finn had fallen for a local woman while overseas, only to find out that she had been a spy who was using him. He hasn't yet gotten over his feelings of grief and betrayal.

Callie had also had a huge crush on Finn, but like him, knew a relationship would be a bad idea. She also has some issues of her own to deal with when it comes to relationships. She had grown up with a mother who never stayed long in one place, constantly moving from man to man looking for love. Callie's sister had been the same way before her death. Callie is afraid that she has inherited the same inability to settle down and is wary of getting involved with anyone because of it.

The romance between Finn and Callie developed slowly. They were already good friends, which was an excellent basis for it, because they already knew each other very well. Finn got the ball rolling because he was at heart a very affectionate person anyway. I loved seeing how all his little touches and hugs and so on really started to get to Callie. The heat built up between them, and burst out into some kisses that were bonemelting for both of them. Callie couldn't resist Finn at all, and her trust of him made it easier for her to give in to her feelings. One of the benefits of their shared pasts is that both of them knew what the other was going through. I loved Finn's caring when Callie would have one of her nightmares. As the time went on, the attraction built until they gave into it, though their issues were still keeping them from commitment. I loved seeing what finally pushed them over the edge and how they were finally able to have it all.

I loved the boy Martin, and seeing how life on the ranch changed him. His enthusiasm for all things cowboy and ranching was fun to see. I also liked that he wasn't a perfect kid, but had his moments of reality too. He was also a good hearted kid, and his attempts to help his friends were sweet and inventive.

One of the really fun things about the story was the feud going on between two of the families in Burnt Boot. One young woman from each family set their sights on Finn. He, of course, wasn't interested because he was into Callie, but those women didn't pay any attention to that. In fact, they tried to run Callie off. There were some great scenes between them and Callie that were laugh out loud funny, from her shooting at them to stop their catfight to biting another one to get her point across. I loved seeing Callie stand up to both of them. The rest of the feud between the families has started to heat up again, and there are some pretty ridiculous things that they do. I expect there will be more as the series goes on.

I loved seeing Finn's ranch come alive after he moved in. He started out with just him and his dog until Callie and Martin arrived. Then their soft hearts rescued a kitten that became part of the family. Just before a snowstorm hit, Finn found a little chihuahua dog and a foul mouthed parrot in his barn, and took those into the house. I also loved how he invited the previous owner of the ranch to come for a visit and she quickly became a part of the family. She was quite a character, blunt and fun loving. She was also determined to see Callie and Finn together permanently.

The people of Burnt Boot are all pretty wild characters. There is a trio of older ladies who both keep things calm and stir things up. The feuding families just seem to keep building on each other's idiocy and it will be interesting to see what else they get up to in later books. I enjoyed the reactions of local law enforcement to Callie and Finn's handling of the two feuding women.

[Ellen Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboy Boots for Christmas

There's nothing like a Christmas book about a Texas cowboy to make me happy, and Carolyn Brown did a great job of that with this story. Finn and Callie, along with their group of strays make this a very entertaining book.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a very slow start and was hard to follow at first but got better as I got further into it.

[Anita Rochell · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite author is Carolyn Brown and this is probably my most favorite book of all times. The characters and story line is so funny. Reading this book had me laughing out loud. The people, the animals and the feuding family were hilarious!