A rugged Texas cowboy gets into the Christmas spirit to prove himself to the woman he loves in this heartwarming novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Family Journal. Maverick Callahan lives up to his reputation as a freewheeling cowboy. But a year ago he fell head-over-heels for an extraordinary woman he met while on vacation, a woman he was convinced he’d never see again. So when … vacation, a woman he was convinced he’d never see again. So when she appears on his doorstep like a Christmas miracle, Maverick is determined not to waste his lucky break.
Bridget O’Malley’s world has flipped upside down. As the new guardian of her best friend’s baby, she hasn’t had a moment to think about the Texas rancher who broke her heart. He’s just as sexy as ever, but she knows better than anyone that he’s not the settling-down type. As the trees are trimmed and mistletoe hung, will some holiday magic help Bridget trust this carefree cowboy with her heart and her future?
Includes the bonus novella “Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas” by Sara Richardson!
Christmas with a Cowboy is the fifth book in Carolyn Brown’s Longhorn Canyon series and the fourth title in the series I’ve read, and once again, it was a wonderful and charming read with a likable cast of characters, not much action, drama, or graphic sex , no real subplots or violence, but a whole lot of heart instead, and it gets 4.5 stars from this reader.
As the novel opens, Maverick Callahan steps into a pub on his last night in Ireland. He’d accompanied his Irish-born Granny, Iris, the woman who raised him, on a visit to her childhood home town, to see her lifelong best friend. It’s at that pub where he meets and is charmed by the pretty, red-haired bartender, Bridget, and the two end up having a one-night stand, without even exchanging last names or phone numbers, but both wishing they’d met sooner.
One year later, Maverick is back on Granny Iris’ ranch, she’s had hip replacement surgery, her long-time ranch foreman is away, and Maverick has taken leave from his own job on another Texas ranch to help her out. Iris has also hired a housekeeper to help her with the cooking, cleaning and other household chores, and Maverick is shocked to discover that the new housekeeper is Bridget, who turns out to be the granddaughter of the best friend Iris visited in Ireland, and Bridget is not alone–she has an adorable baby girl, Laela, with her, one who looks an awful lot like Maverick. No, wes oon learn that it’s not Maverick’s child, it’s Bridget’s goddaughter, the daughter of her best friend and fellow bartender, Deirdre, and Deirdre’s boyfriend, Jimmy, both of whom died in a tragic car accident, and, having no other family to take custody of Laela, leaving Bridget to raise Laela alone.
In the past year, both Bridget and Maverick have not forgotten their attraction for one another,and both have regretted not exchanging contact information. They haven’t met anyone since who elicited the same spark in either of them, yet Bridget is due to return to Ireland for Christmas, and although the attraction between these two is palpable, neither wants Granny Iris to know about their one-night stand, or their still strong attraction to one another. Additionally, Bridget’s first duty is to her new “daughter”, one that she takes seriously, and her second duty is to Iris, who, while still not fully recovered from her surgery, climbs a pear tree, falls re-injures her hip, and is soon back in the hospital, leaving Maverick and Bridget alone on her ranch, and taking over Iris’ regular duties, like teaching Sunday School at church, training those students for the upcoming Christmas recitals. baking Christmas cookies, and various other pre-Christmas duties, like putting up the tree, decorating the church, and more–and the plus side for Maverick is that Bridget now has to extend her stay at the ranch while Iris convalesces in a rehab facility.
It’s not long before Bridget and Maverick act on their strong attraction to one another, but Bridget’s first and foremost duty is to baby Laela, and, as she and Maverick are drawn to one another, Maverick is also drawn to adorable, little Laela. Although he’s never been in love, and certainly never expected to be, he can’t ignore his feelings for Bridget and Laela, and what follows is a lot of waffling–from Bridget, wondering how she could possibly leave her homeland, and not someday regret it, knowing that Granny Iris did just that to marry her late husband. If her relationship with Maverick deepens, will she someday regret leaving her homeland and come to resent him? There’s even more waffling from Maverick, who, as an employee at another ranch, feels that he has nothing tangible to offer Bridget, and knowing that he’s always specialized in one-night stands. While I usually complain about too much waffling in my book reviews, in the case of this novel, it worked for me. Leaving one’s homeland is a major life decision, and it’s not an easy decision to make. Bridget also has to wonder if Maverick’s obvious love for baby Laela is stronger than his feelings for her. Since Maverick has a hard time expressing his deeper emotions, or even recognizing them, both characters act as adults should, considering all aspects of what their decisions will mean moving forward.
While this novel does use the love at first sight trope, this doesn’t turn into an insta-love romance at all. The introspection of these principle characters made them feel real, and their depth of character, and the choices they face was, quite simply, a welcome relief from the usual insta-love, insta-lust in so many of the romance novels I’ve read. While the pace of this novel is slow and steady, the HEA ending is well worth the time it takes to get there. If you’re looking for a heartwarming romance novel that will give you the warm fuzzies this Christmas, I am very happy to recommend this one.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
Maverick Callahan is every bit a wild and unattainable cowboy, he is upfront with the ladies and quick to mention that he only does one night stands… no feelings or commitments for him! He doesn’t have time or the patience for love, feelings, or the drama that relationships bring. Then he makes a trip to Ireland with his grandmother, and meets a woman that changes every thought he had about love. He never planned on meeting a woman quite like Bridget O’Malley, she is everything he wants, but can’t have since she lives across the globe.
That is until she shows up unexpectedly in Texas on his doorstep months later… with a little surprise in tow! Now that she is in his territory and he has a second chance with her he doesn’t plan on wasting it!
With a heartfelt story line, picturesque scenery, and sexy rugged cowboy gracing it’s pages Christmas with a Cowboy is the perfect seasonal literary escape! Really what more could you want then to watch a commitment phobe cowboy bend to the will of his heart and the woman who has managed to penetrate it. I loved watching Maverick navigate through this life alternating change, and embrace something that he was so adamant about avoiding, the whole process what so good for the heart. It’s words often tugging on the heartstrings, bringing smiles, and stirring up some blushes and swoons too. Once again I find myself dazzled by Ms. Brown’s words and left smitten with her uniquely crafted characters…this is truly a can’t miss love story! Highly recommend!
I received an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
The latest installment in Carolyn Brown’s Longhorn Canyon series, Christmas with a Cowboy, is a delightful holiday read that includes a handsome cowboy and an adorable baby. The perfect Christmas combination.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader –
3.5 stars
M/F Second Chance Romance
Bridget and Maverick meet in Ireland during a trip that Maverick didn’t want his grandma to take alone. Iris, Maverick’s grandma, is originally from Ireland and she goes back to visit her best friend, Bridget’s grandma.
However, somewhere else in Ireland is where Bridget and Maverick meet. They have an amazing night together and then part ways, believing that they will never see each other again. Fate, however, has a different plan. When Bridget has immense loss in her life, Iris is there to lend a helping hand.
These two characters get a chance that few do – they get to try for real, under real circumstances. Bridget and Maverick learn each other for real this time and get to do it surrounded by people who are cheering them on.
I will say that at times, I found myself skimming through the pages, as it was a slower story. However, it was wonderfully developed and, despite the predictability, gives new hope for the coming holiday season.
Potential Triggers: Death
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a sweetly thrilling, sexy fun, heartwarming adventure filled with heartwarming second chances, engaging charters and unforgettable passion… was a edge your seat read from beginning to end and I enjoyed every exciting twist and turn of this fun holiday journey.
It’s never too early to start on the holiday reading. And Christmas with a Cowboy did in fact bring those holiday feels.
Maverick and Bridget meet when he’s on vacation in Ireland. They instantly hit it off, and on Maverick’s last night, they spend it together. He returns to Texas, but can’t seem to stop thinking about Bridget or of the connection he has towards her. And one year later, he never expected to see her again, and in Texas no less.
Bridget has been through a lot. She’s lost her best friend—and has now gained guardianship of her baby. She’s also going through the loss of her grandmother. When her grandmother’s best friend offers her a place to stay and make some money, she can’t refuse—even if that means leaving Ireland for a couple of months.
Bridget and Maverick never thought they’d see each other again. And since the night they spent together Bridget’s life has changed drastically. She’s a mom now and her focus is taking care of Laela. She’s not sure if Maverick, the playboy cowboy is up for such responsibility. But Bridget and Maverick get a chance to get to really know each other and Bridget sees that Maverick has changed and that the chemistry between them is still there.
Christmas with a Cowboy is a sweet small town romance with little drama and a lot of heart. A holiday read that brings that feeling of the holiday season.
Wonderful entertaining Christmas story! Great characters, Irish temper, male confusion and a cute baby, what more could you ask for? Bridget and Maverick have a chance meeting in a pub in Ireland, a passion filled one night, nothing more-he’s headed home to Texas and she’s staying there, a night of memories. But when Bridget’s live takes a turn, best friend dies leaving her an unexpected mother and her beloved grandmother passes away, she’s left with a baby in her arms and no home, until her grandmother’s best childhood friend offers her a job at her ranch with she’s mending a broken hip, this is ideal, roof over her and her baby’s heads and job where she can keep her baby close. In steps her employer’s grandson…her one night stand…on all the ranches in Texas…Maverick is thrown for a loop, the woman her never thought he’s see again is standing in his grandmother’s house, holding a baby that has his green eyes and dark hair! A very fun read! Can’t wait for the next cowboy!
This was a heartwarming story. Maverick and Bridget were endearing characters with great chemistry. There were many great secondary characters including the cat and dog who were adorable. This well written story was character driven with a heartwarming storyline. I would definitely recommend this book.
A sweet Christmas romance between a Texas cowboy and an Irish lass. Maverick Callahan accompanied his grandmother, Iris, to Ireland to visit her dear friend, Virgie. While there, Maverick met and fell a “little in Love” with Bridget O’Malley. Although leaving for Texas the next day, they spent one magical night together. A year later, he finds Bridget living with his grandmother along with her baby goddaughter, Laela. Laela’s parents were killed in an accident leaving Bridget to raise their precious daughter. Bridget’s grandmother, Virgie, had passed away and having no place to go Bridget accepted Iris’s offer to come to Texas. Will Bridget move back to Ireland or will the renewed attraction between them keep her in Texas? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
I loved loved loved this book!! Carolyn brown really has no book does not hook you and draw you in! Book 5 in this series is a perfect start to the holiday season! Maverick is every ones idea of a real cowboy! He falls in love with Bridget after a chance meeting, and he thinks he has lost her forever. Bridget heart was broken thinking she will never be with him again and he is lost to her forever. She soon has no choice but to move past this as she has now become a parent to a child that is not hers. The magic of Christmas has something special for this couple that will bring them together this time forever!! Loved this book and can not wait for the next book!!!!
This was a sweet and unassuming romance with some Christmas spirit thrown in. If you want a romantic country Christmas story, this one fits the bill.
Longhorn Canyon Ranch #5, Maverick Callahan hasn’t been the same since he got back from his Ireland vacation with his Grammy Iris. Since then he has been helping his cousins set up their ranch but when Grammy falls out the pear tree and has to have her hip replaced and her foreman goes off to visit family she needs help around the ranch. She already has a housekeeper, the granddaughter of her best friend whom she invited over to spend the holidays.
Bridget O’Malley lost her best friend, gained guardianship of a new born baby, Laela, and lost her grandmother all in a couple months of each other. So when her grandmother’s best friend, Iris, calls and offers her a place to stay and spend the holiday while making some money she jumps at the chance, even if that means leaving Ireland for a couple of months.
Bridget and Maverick met in Ireland on his last night there and spent the night together, since that night neither has been able to stop thinking about he other but they didn’t exchange number or even get each other’s last names. When Bridget gets to Texas she never expected to find her cowboy is none other than Iris’s grandson. But she’s not he same girl she was a year ago she’s a mother now and just can’t fall into bed with a good looking cowboy. Maverick knows as soon as he sees Bridget again it was fate. He wants her to stay but he just a cowboy with nothing to his name, he has nothing to offer her except his love. Bridget is torn between her love for Maverick and her love of Ireland, she worried that things aren’t going to last, that her homesickness will make her miserable, she worries about a lot of things but her love for Maverick isn’t one.
Overall, it’s a real sweet romance, things get hot and heavy between Mav and Bridget but in the typical Carolyn Brown fashion (she mainly leaves it up to your imagination). I loved Laela, and how quickly Mav bonded with her and Iris is a hoot. I love all the characters and it was such a nice easy read.
What a sweet Christmas story! Bridget and Maverick meet by chance just as he is leaving Ireland. They have a strong connection but don’t take the steps to keep in touch. The world works strangely sometimes and they meet up a year later when Bridget is staying with his Grandmother. Their connection is just as strong.
The story is really a sweet story reminding us that there are many things not in our control as well as a great second chance story.
I enjoyed the book and it was a quick read. It is a great story for the holidays!
I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Carolyn Brown delivers a pleasant heartfelt story perfect for the holiday season. If you are looking for a lighthearted, low angst book to pass a bit of time around the holiday season, then this book is for you. Grab a cup of tea, your comfiest throw and snuggle down into your favorite chair and dive in to Maverick and Bridget’s story. There is plenty of humor scattered throughout along with many enjoyable moments with friends and family, some romance – sweet and sensual, and an adorable baby to round out the storyline. It was a great addition to the Longhorn Canyon series.
*I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
If you’re looking for a sweet and mostly clean small town romance with plenty of heart, this book definitely delivers. Christmas with a Cowboy brings a wild Texan and an Irish girl together at Christmastime (with a baby thrown in the mix). Decidedly low angst and with a laidback feel, this book moves at its own pace. The writing is solid and the characters are likeable (now that Maverick has cleaned up his act). Add in a baby and there are plenty of adorable moments.
The story follows Maverick, a cowboy who accompanies his grandmother on a trip to Ireland. On his last night in the country, he meets Bridget and feels an instant connection. He’s knows she’s not a one night stand kind of girl, but that’s all the time he has left so they share one memorable evening together before parting ways. Fast forward one year later, and the two meet again – this time as Bridget takes over the care of Maverick’s grandmother in Texas. It would seem that they have a second chance to do things right, but as Bridget learns more about Maverick’s wild ways, she’s not sure that she’s willing to give him that opportunity – especially now that’s she’s taken over custody of a baby.
There are some seriously adorable moments featuring Maverick and the baby, which definitely made it easier to like this playboy cowboy. It’s clear that he feels a connection to Bridget, but he’s never been serious about a woman and isn’t sure that he’s ready to be now. I loved the time he spent with the baby, which lightened the book considerably. It’s definitely a laidback book with low angst, and at times got to be a little slow. I found myself skimming in a few places, but I did enjoy the story. It’s a sweet book that’s perfect for the holiday season, and I thank NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. I am voluntarily leaving a review of this holiday romance.
A wonderful cozy roamce in the longhorn canyon series.. Quick to read with a great storyline Maverick is a cowboy from Texas that met a woman called Bridget years ago on vacation. when she turns up on his doorstep with a child years later he is determined not to let her get away again. a quick moving romance that makes you feel good.
Looking forward to more.
Christmas With a Cowboy is the latest offering by busy author Carolyn Brown. Set in small town Daisy, Texas about an hour outside of Amarillo at the Callahan Ranch, the story actually begins in County Cork, Ireland. Maverick Callahan has escorted his widowed grandmother to visit her lifelong friend Virgie back in Granny’s home country. On his last night there, Maverick meets and becomes intrigued by a fiery redhead named Bridget. After sharing some drinks, some food, and an intense, but out of character, night together, Bridget must hurry off to meet her Nana for church, leaving Maverick to leave on his own. They don’t exchange full names, phone numbers, or emails, but Maverick did snap a picture before she left.
A year later, Iris Callahan has needed knee surgery but refuses going to rehab, preferring to get help on her own. Her dear friend Virgie passed away earlier in the year and Virgie has left behind her dear granddaughter, Bridget. Bridget is reeling not only from her dear Nana’s passing, but also the loss in an accident of her best friend Deidre. As the godmother to Deidre’s baby girl Laela, Bridget has also been put in the place of instant mother. Iris decides the best way to help Bridget and honor her friend is to bring Bridget to Daisy as her live in caretaker. The fact that her grandson Maverick also comes home to help is just icing on her cake!
When Iris falls in church, she ends up back in the hospital and ultimately decides to go to the rehab center. This leaves Maverick and Bridget on their own at the ranch. The interplay between these characters as they sort through their feelings and futures is very real. Maverick’s feelings for Bridget are apparent, but his love for little Laela is palpable. How can they sort through so much before Christmas?
This is a delightful Christmas book with exceptionally well depicted characters in a romantic rural setting. It is the kind of story to curl up with under a warm blanket knowing the story will make you feel warm and fuzzy, just not sure how but along for the ride to find out. Plus, this book comes with a delightful novella titled Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Sara Richardson as an extra holiday gift! I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it wholeheartedly!
Christmas with a Cowboy
Sometimes a story doesn’t need drama or someone to be the hero. I felt like that was the case with this story. Every character was a hero in his or her own way. It was such a cute love story but also a story of belonging and finding home. I love Granny what a pistol she was so fun to read about. I really can’t wait to read Alana and Paxton’s story or should I say I hope that’s were it’s going. This book implies sex but over all the author kept it clean.
Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas
I really enjoyed this book over all. I loved being able to catch up with the other characters from this series as well. I really enjoy when and author can take a child and have there personality shine through on the pages and the author did that with not just one child but three it added hugely to a fun story. This is a short read but packed with a lot fun and emotions you will find your self laughing and crying. Over all this book shows what Christmas, Family and forgiveness is all about. You will not be disappointed with this fun read. I think the only thing I did not like about this book is that it was too short. There is adult situations in this book. I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion