A True Cowboy Christmas

Caitlin Crews

Oct 2018 · Cold River Ranch Book 1 · Macmillan + ORM

About this ebook

The USA Today–bestselling author’s romance series debut brings together a cowboy, a farm girl, and the greatest gift of all.

Gray Everett has a heart of gold but that doesn’t mean he believes in the magic of Christmas. He’s too busy keeping the family ranch away from down-and-dirty investors. Not to mention raising his young daughter on his own. Now, all Gray needs is the help of his lifelong neighbor . . . who happens to have grown into a lovely, spirited woman.

For Abby Douglas, the chance to join forces with Gray is nothing less than a Christmas miracle. Much as the down-to-earth farmer’s daughter has tried to deny it, Abby’s been in love with stern, smoking-hot Gray her whole life. So when Gray proposes a marriage of convenience as a way to combine land—and work together toward a common cause—Abby can’t refuse. But how can she convince Gray that their strategic union could also lead to genuine passion and lasting love?

Ratings and reviews

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it. This is the first book of the series. Gray Everett is the older brother of the three boys. He is also a father to a fifteen year old girl. His first wife died on her way to meet her lover many years ago. He is the only son to stay on the ranch and work it. His father is vitriol and wants to only make people miserable. Upon the death of the Everett patriarch, a sigh of relief could be heard around the valley. Gray decides that he doesn't want to end up like his father. He needs a wife to help guide his daughter. He chooses his nearest neighbor, Abby Douglas, as she is a good woman, a salt of the community. Abby is thirty and has loved Gray since she was a young girl. Even though it is a dream come true for Gray to propose marriage, it is his reasons that throw her for a loop. The road to a HEA for these two is really a long tough, rocky one. Gray is a very complex character to understand. Having the book written in a dual POV really helped to understand a little bit of Gray's battle. Getting a glimpse into his thoughts was a conflicted one. First I really felt for him, then I despised him a little. But the things that have shaped him are dark. He has a hard battle to overcome. Abby is the perfect warm, loving female protagonist. She has a heart of gold but the back-bone of steel. This is a sexy read. There are a few bedroom scenes but they take place after the marriage and are not highly descriptive in nature. I would recommend this only to some one over the age of 18 and the person really needs to be open to Gray not being the perfect male protagonist. In my opinion, that made him oh so much more human.

This new series has started off with a heart tugging and heartwarming holiday story full of strong, compelling characters that easily draw readers into their story. Gray Everett decides he’s a needs a wife and Abby Douglas would be the perfect, most practical choice. Abby Douglas has been in love with Gray her whole life, so his proposal is nothing less than a Christmas miracle so she can’t really refuse. The romance throughout this story is full of lots of emotional turmoil that tugs at heartstrings and keeps this couple’s relationship on rocky ground but the sizzling chemistry and Abby’s determination to convince Gray that their growing trust and mutual passion may be leading to true and lasting love. The plot is steady paced and flows smoothly throughout and keeps the suspense building throughout the story as readers wonder whether this couple ever achieve their happily ever after or will stubbornness and a irritable legacy keep them apart. The author brings her story to life with wonderful characters full of depth that makes it easy for readers to connect to the characters as they make life changing decisions during the holiday season which of course adds that hopeful and special ambiance to the story that only the holidays can add. The Everett brothers capture readers’ attention and ensures that readers will want to visit the Cold River Ranch again and again.

4.5 Stars Gray Everett has a heart of gold but that doesn’t mean he believes in the magic of Christmas. He’s got plenty else to worry about this holiday season, what with keeping his cattle ranch in the family and out of the hands of hungry real-estate investors looking to make a down-and-dirty deal. That, plus being a parent to his young and motherless daughter, equals a man who will not rest until he achieves his mission. Now, all Gray needs is the help of his lifelong neighbour Abby Douglas. The chance to join forces with Gray is nothing less than a Christmas miracle. Much as the down-to-earth farmer’s daughter has tried to deny it, Abby’s been in love with stern, smoking-hot Gray her whole life. So when Gray proposes a marriage of convenience as a way to combine land and work together toward a common cause Abby can’t refuse. This is the first book I’ve read by the author & it certainly won’t be the last. A very good series opener, I can't wait for more! A marriage of convenience where both parties bring lots of baggage was a great opening & I thoroughly enjoyed how they worked their way through. Gray is definitely swoon worthy & the ending was beautiful. The characters are well fleshed & the pace is very good in fact I just loved this book & it’s a keeper My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

About the author

USA Today bestselling, RITA-nominated, and critically-acclaimed author Caitlin Crews has written more than eighty-five books, including Harlequin Presents, Harlequin Dare, and Cold River cowboys. She’s won fans with the romance, women’s fiction, chick lit, and work-for-hire young adult novels she’s written as Megan Crane (including the futuristic, dystopian Viking romance Edge series). These days her focus is on contemporary romance in all its forms, from small town heat to international glamor, cowboys to bikers to military men and beyond. She’s taught creative writing classes in places like UCLA Extension’s prestigious Writers’ Program, gives assorted workshops on the writing process, and attempts to make use of the MA and PhD in English Literature she received from the University of York in York, England. She currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with a husband who draws comics and animation storyboards, and their menagerie of ridiculous animals.