The Christmas Cowboy Hero

Donna Grant

Oct 2017 · Heart of Texas Book 1 · Sold by St. Martin's Paperbacks

About this eBook

New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant returns to Texas, where a small-town legend just might find the greatest gift of all in The Christmas Cowboy Hero...

’Tis the season for ex-Navy SEAL Clayton East to come home for the holidays—even if the mood at home is anything but festive. His father is ill. The East Ranch is in financial trouble. And now it’s on Clayton, the prodigal son, to make sure his family doesn’t lose everything.

Headstrong Abby Harper is like a mother to her younger brothers, who she’s helped raise since she was a teenager. Keeping them in line is no small task while she’s also working toward her college degree. And now that one of her brothers has been arrested for stealing cattle at the East Ranch, Abby is at her wits’ end. But there is a silver lining: Clayton East. He believes in second chances, and is willing to give one to her brother this Christmas. Letting beautiful Abby—and the inescapable longing in his heart—off the hook, however, is a whole ’nother story. Could it be that the woman of this local hero’s dreams has been back at home all along?

“Off-the-charts chemistry and a breath-stealing plot.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) on The Protector

Ratings and reviews

Full review appeared on Reader's Edyn on 10/18/17 ... Nothing like getting into the Christmas season early than with some really fun, entertaining reads! I very much enjoyed my time spent with Clayton and Abby. Books in which a character has to grow in order to realize that their only chance might be sitting right in front of them are right up my alley. Clayton accepts his feelings relatively soon, but Abby resists for a while. There is a slight amount of suspense within the book, but not surrounding their relationship. Everything happening around Christmas is a benefit because she and her brothers have never experienced one like this before. I can see where I would have been awe-struck in such a situation myself. It is very easy to like the characters within the book. The secondary characters add a lot to the story and draw you in even more with their own growth. This book is a great reminder of how tragedy shapes us and ultimately how it can lead us to where we are meant to be. I don’t want it to sound too heavy with the tragedy, because it isn’t like that – after all, we are looking for a Christmas-themed HEA. Probably my only complaint is that the word “atop” was used so many times that it became annoying. It is probably mostly personal preference, but I feel like “atop” is more of an older word and that I would read it in a Historical novel versus this contemporary novel. Overall, this book will get you in the holiday spirit and have you rooting for the main characters in no time. There is some sexual content that is pretty explicit; no dirty explicit, erotic explicit. I’m sure this read will satisfy readers even if they aren’t looking specifically for a holiday read. Ms. Grant did a wonderful job of creating lovable, endearing characters that readers will enjoy getting to know. Get your warm, fuzzy, holiday groove started right with this sexy, sweet read. Kindle version provided by NetGalley/St Martins Press in exchange for an honest review.

A holiday mood inspiring story that will capture your heart and send it soaring as this unsuspecting couple finds romance over the Christmas holidays. Clayton and Abby are well written characters that definitely tug at heartstrings as both are tormented by a past that drives their present lives. This story brings family together and builds a future that looks bright and full for characters that wasn’t so sure what the future would bring which has the relationship being a bit turbulent throughout but interspaced with lots of good feeling romance as the couple overcome the obstacles in their path to happiness. This well paced story mostly focuses on romance and family, it also has a bit of suspense as bad guys threaten to take away the happiness before it really gets going. Part of the suspense is what actually brings this couple together, so it adds that bit of “good things can begin from something dark” and the mystery of finding out who their enemies really are adds thrills balancing out the romance and emotional aspect of the story making it a well-rounded story that I just had to finish before I could put it down. Overall you have a wonderful happily ever after holiday romance that has a touch of suspense. Donna Grant always gives reader fantastic stories that I just love to read. They make you feel good and her characters always come to life and make it easy for readers get caught up in their story and as always, when it comes to this author I can’t wait for the next Heart of Texas novel.

Donna Grant gives us an amazing story that exemplifies the true meaning of Christmas. This is a story of loss and of struggle. It’s a story of the strength and power of forgiveness and of promise. It’s also a story of sharing and giving and love and family and it was absolutely beautiful! This is a long way from the Highlands of Scotland and Ms. Grant’s Dark books, but I find I’m really enjoying her foray into the contemporary genre with her Sons of Texas series and this book, the first in a new series called Heart of Texas! While Ms. Grant has changed locations, she hasn’t changed the way she puts together an exciting and engaging story and we definitely don’t have a shortage of strong, stubborn heroes! Abby is an absolute hero in this book as well. Her mother up and left her to care for her two younger brothers when Abby was barely 18 years old. It’s been a struggle, but she’s been able to handle things—barely—so far. Well, until her oldest brother gets in trouble for stealing. Clayton is a wonderful hero dealing with his own personal demons but he’s obligated to help the family ranch after a series of very unfortunate events. He crosses paths with Abby and her brothers and his well-made plans of one day leaving Texas fly out the window. This is so much more than just a love story. It’s well-written and crafted beautifully. There’s so much depth and emotion and character growth. And I really enjoyed reading it! If you need a Christmas romance, look no further! THE CHRISTMAS COWBOY HERO is exactly what you need! ***I voluntarily read a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own***

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant has been praised for her “totally addictive” and “unique and sensual” stories. She’s the author of more than thirty novels spanning multiple genres of romance including the bestselling Dark King stories. The acclaimed series features a thrilling combination of dragons, the Fae, and Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her two children, a dog, and four cats in Texas.