New York Times BestsellerPublishers Weekly BestsellerFans of Jill Shalvis, Linda Lael Miller, and Maisey Yates won’t want to miss these delightful Christmas love stories filled with humor and heart. Plenty of cowboy kisses under the mistletoe are the perfect escape this holiday season! MISTLETOE COWBOY * Diana Palmer Horse whisperer Parker doesn’t drink, smoke, or gamble, and he doesn’t have much … whisperer Parker doesn’t drink, smoke, or gamble, and he doesn’t have much to do with women, either. Until he meets winsome widow Katy, and her sweet child. Could Christmas kisses under the mistletoe bring the handsome wrangler the gift of his very own family?
“No one beats this author for sensual anticipation.”
—Rave Reviews
BLAME IT ON THE MISTLETOE * Marina Adair
To claim his slice of the family ranch, Texas Ranger Noah is forced back to Tucker’s Crossing. All he expects to find is a tractor load of painful memories—until a holiday storm, a power outage—and perhaps the magic of Christmas—deliver him to rescue an intriguing woman named Faith. But just who’s rescuing whom?
“Marina Adair is a breath of fresh air.”
—New York Times bestselling author Darynda Jones
MISTLETOE DETOUR * Kate Pearce
When Morgan Valley rancher Ted Baker gets out his tow truck to pick up a snowbound driver, he doesn’t expect to find his old school friend Veronica on the lam with her pet pig—much less true love—just in time for Christmas . . .
“Captures the spirit of the West.”
—Booklist on The Maverick Cowboy
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Mistletoe Cowboy by Diana Palmer. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Parker, who is part Crow, brilliant at math, does special projects for the government and is a horse whisperer. Katy and daughter Tedie are trying to pick up the pieces after her husband is killed in the military. An old abused horse brings them together and the miracle of Christmas.
Blame It On The Mistletoe by Marina Adair. Noah Tucker is a Texas Ranger and is always seeing the worst in people. Faith Loren is back in Sweet, a small town, trying to atone for the mistakes of her parents. She is also raising her brother Pax. For the first time both of them ate letting their guards down. Will love find its way in or will the past rise up and strike it down. A little mistletoe goes a long way.
Mistletoe Detour by Kate Pearce. Veronica Hernandez is running away from her problems and going home to Morgantown and her uncle. Ted Baker runs the town garage and was asked to tow a car stuck so it won’t get hit. Surprised to see each other, Ted is the guy who always puts everyone’s needs before his own. That includes Veronica. She shakes him out of his doldrums and he brings stability to her life. A wedding and the magic of Christmas, sets them on a path of falling in love
Blue collar cowboys.
I really liked that this collection of three cowboys and Christmas stories featured all working cowboys.
The realism of the stories, especially Kate Pearce’s Christmas Detour really shines through. Ted lives in an apartment with his dad. He’s helping out Veronica, who gets stuck staying with him. Don’t worry, its not a hardship and he’ll find a way to keep her warm (wink).
Recommend for three enjoyable cowboy Christmas tales, sure to brighten your day.
Christmas Kisses with My Cowboy
Three Christmas cowboy romance novellas with a Hallmark happily ever after for three lucky couples made this a warm feel-good read.
Marina Adair’s BLAME IT ON THE MISTLETOE had me chuckling at the quips and humorous thoughts and one of the first that happened early on was when Texas Ranger Noah Tucker saw a woman in an elf costume decorating a tree and thought, “…sexiest elf on the shelf he’d ever seen.” For some reason that tickled my fancy and I knew it might be cheesy but it was also charming
I was most interested in reading Kate Pearce’s MISTLETOE DETOUR as it takes place in Morgantown. I have been following what happens since the beginning of the series so couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. This time around a third-generation mechanic, Ted Baker, is put in touch with his high school crush after over a decade apart. He asked to tow a stalled car stuck in a snowstorm and in so doing sees Veronica Hernandez and takes her, her car and pet to safety. The two end up spending time together and are quite compatible but there is a secret worry that Veronica has that won’t let her fully relax. I enjoyed this one and kept thinking that it was “all about the pig.”
I still have Diana Palmer’s MISTLETOE COWBOY to read and look forward to doing so soon but wanted to get the review posted on release day.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
Christmas Kisses with My Cowboy was a light, heartfelt, enjoyable anthology of 3 holiday-themed stories. Even though all 3 were clearly part of a larger series, the only one of which I have read is Kate Pearce’s Morgan Ranch series, I followed along just fine and plan to check out more of Diana Palmer and Marina Adair’s backlist.
As novellas, these stories moved at a fairly quick pace but were perfect for a rainy, dreary day snuggled under a blanket on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book provided by the author via NetGalley.
Rating 4.5 stars
MISTLETOE DETOUR by Kate Pearce was a wonderful Christmas story in the Morgan Ranch series. This is a fun quick read, with great characters and humor. The pace was fabulous which made the book hard to put down. I can’t wait for the next installment in the Morgan Ranch series.
Not one of my favorites as far as a Christmas anthology goes.
Mistletoe Cowboy-This story is kind of odd. I felt sorry for the way Teddie is treated and it’s difficult to like her mother but Parker is a good guy. 4 Stars
Blame It On The Mistletoe-This was really good and carries the anthology. Faith gave up her promise of a career to obtain custody of her younger brother. She is trying hard to live down the reputation of her parents. Noah is just the Texas Ranger to help her. This would be good as a stand alone. 5 Stars
Mistletoe Detour-The storyline cannot be taken seriously. It’s more along the lines of a cozy mystery. So much drama over a pig named Bacon. You are led to believe a serious crime has taken place. 3 Stars
Together overall this is a 4 star rating.
Thank you to NetGalley and Zebra Books for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Mistletoe Cowboy
Was not a fan of this story. I did like Teddie she was a fun character with a lot of spit fire and drive to learn as much as she can and make something of herself even at a young age. I was not a fan of Parker he came off as whoa is me I’m a victim. The author has him as this ex military guy, with smarts like no other, but he comes off as a whimp and kind of a jerk. I feel like Katy could have done way better. I was sickened by the fact that it seemed Katy could not even stand up for her own daughter and she tolerated the behavior of her so called attorney. There was no curse words one adult scene over all a clean read just not the read for me.
Blame it on the mistletoe
Faith has a brick wall built around her heart an no one was getting through no matter what. She would also do anything to protect her nephew at all cost. Noah on the other hand was cocky and ready to tear down the wall Faith built if she would only let him in. Noah had issues of his own but he seemed to have a good heart, and really craved the closeness of his family. Now Faith my heart broke for her and for everything she faced and loss. She was a fighter and it was hard not to root for her in this story. There were sexual innuendoes throughout this story no strong language over all I did like this one over the first one.
Mistletoe Detour
I was not a huge fan of this story. I found both Ted and Veronica very immature being the fact they were in their 30’s they acted a lot more like they were in their early 20’s at best. I did like the authors sense of humor with the pig and his name kind of hard not to laugh at that every time the big made his appearance. There was adult content in this story so it may not be suitable for all readers.
Over all this set of books was not really my cup of tea. I liked Blame it on the Mistletoe the most it seemed to really get to the heart of Christmas over all. There is adult content in every one of these stories so may not be suitable for all readers. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Can’t go Wrong with Cowboys & Christmas!!
***** Mistletoe Cowboy – Diana Palmer ***** 5-stars
Parker is a horse wrangler on a large ranch. During the summers he uses his mathematical genius to work for the government. When widow Katy and her daughter Teddie move in to the ranch next door and adopt an abused horse, Parker helps in the rehabilitation and teaching Teddie about horses.
Katy has some early history which makes it hard to connect with people, including her daughter. Parker is able to help in those areas too, until outside forces create friction. An emotional journey of growth and doing what is right. Terrific characters, and wonderful breaking of stereotypes.
***** Blame it on the Mistletoe – Marina Adair ***** 5-stars
Texas Ranger Noah Tucker could not wait to leave the small town he grew up in. When he returns for an extended time over Christmas, he has a greater appreciation for the folks there – especially Faith who is best known for being the daughter of a convicted felon, and at an early age put her dreams on hold to raise her brother Pax.
Both Faith and Noah have trust issues. As small-town rumors interfere, will they be able to find a relationship together? More emotion to be found here. Small town loyalties, and seeing others who have found their “one” make working for the relationship worthwhile. A tremendous story of growth and forgiveness.
***** Mistletoe Detour – Kate Pearce ***** 5-stars
Ted Baker is the sole mechanic for the only garage and gas station in the small town of Morgan Valley. He moved back in with his father to assist him through some health issues. Year have passed, now his father is on a cruise, and he is alone over Christmas. When he assists a stranded motorist, it is former classmate and unbeknownst to her love interest; Veronica Hernandez.
Veronica was to surprise visit her uncle, but he has accompanied Ted’s father on the cruise. Veronica travels with her pig “bacon” and some troubles she is not willing to reveal to Ted, yet. Past history influences current events, and misunderstandings threaten a future together. Will the holiday spirit prevail as these two try to work out their differences?
These three stories are a terrific bundle as they feature small towns, large ranches, cowboys and second chances. Fabulous!!
**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**
This was a lovely collection of sweet cowboy romances. All three stories were very entertaining. The characters were well drawn and the romances were a treat. Some heat without being overly sexy. Also quite a bit of humor which always adds to a romance. After all, if you can’t laugh with them then they are not keepers.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.
Adair, Pearce and Palmer prove that love is more than a seasonal occurance. Christmas Kisses with My Cowboy plays the heart like a fiddle with stories that give emotions something to sing about. Palmer and Adair stir up trouble while finding their heart’s desire.
Mistletoe Cowboy is a fascinating tale of unique characters, heartbreaking tragedies and new beginnings that come with a number of twists. (4 stars)
Blame it on the Mistletoe revisits old hurts and inspire new romance with captivating clarity. (4.5 stars)
Mistletoe Detour- Pearce takes a bump in the road and turns into an adventure of the heart. Ted and Veronica find a way to turn tears into smiles and pain into laughter. (5 stars)
One of the best reasons to read an anthology is catching up with stories from favorite series. The other is to discover a new authors who may become one you want to read full novel that they write. Christmas Kisses with My Cowboy by Diana Palmer, Marina Adair, and Kate Pearce does both of those. Kate Pearce give the reader another Morgan Valley story while Marina Adair is a new author for me to read a novella written by.
Mistletoe Cowboy by Diana Palmer has a young child that makes this a cute story. Helping her learn to be around horses also helps her mother and horse whisperer to come together in spite of losses in their lives. It is a Diane Palmer typical romance. If she is a favorite author of yours, you will want to read this one.
Blame it on the Mistletoe by Marina Adair gives us two characters coming to town for the holidays. Insecurities and fears work to keep them apart but love overcomes. This is the new author for me. She has a wonderful way with dialogue.
Last is Mistletoe Detour by Kate Pearce with a coming home of sorts for Veronica to her uncle’s home. Car troubles bring former high school tow truck driver to the rescue. This has a bit of mystery concerning Veronica and Bacon, her pet pig.
All three are novellas so the romance is rushed but the authors need to give their characters HEAs so it is par for the course in anthologies. Still you can connect with the characters, try out a new author’s style and have an enjoyable read in the process.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read this anthology that I think you will enjoy if you like both cowboys and holiday themes.
Mistletoe Cowboy 4 stars
I really enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected. I really liked Parker’s character. He was so chill. I was surprised at how Katy reacted to Ron’s suggestion. She seemed like much more of a fighter than she appeared at that time. I kind of felt sorry for Katy and her inability to be close to Teddie. Also, when she had to suffer through the cold shoulder from people. Brutal. I was glad to see Parker and Katy reach their HEA..
Blame It On the Mistletoe by Marina Adair. 4 stars
Noah and Faith both had pasts that left them lacking trust in other people. They had a really good chemistry. I liked that their relationship didn’t feel like instalove. Noah had to work to win Faiths trust, and Faith had to let her guard down in order for Noah to get close. I was also glad not too much time was spent on the narrow mindedness, nastiness, and pettiness of some of the people in town. None of which prevented Noah and Faith from reaching their HEA.
Mistletoe Detour by Kate Pearce. 3 stars
This was a quick, short read that was sweet and gave me a few chuckles. I loved that Tom was so unfazed by Victoria’s mishaps. I don’t know if this falls under instalove, because it wasn’t really a second chance romance. Just a kind of sweet holiday story that also revisits some of the Morgan family, specifically Ry and Avery.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book provided by the author via NetGalley.
My review is based on 2 of the 3 books. 5 stars!
Mistletoe Cowboy
This is a sweet Christmas story by Diana Palmer. Katy and her daughter Teddie move to Colorado following her husband’s death overseas. When they stumble across an abused horse, they take it in. When it breaks through a fence, they meet Parker, a horse wrangler with a degree in physics. Parker agrees to help take care of the horse and teach Teddie how to ride.
This is a sweet romance. Of course there is conflict when an acquaintance pays Katy a visit when ownership of the horse comes into question. Encountering a snag in their relationship, Katy comes to realize the importance of family and true love.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Well written, concise storyline makes this an entertaining read. 5 stars.
Blame It on the Mistletoe
Marina Adair
This was a wonderful, humorous story about a Texas Ranger named Noah and a young woman named Faith who is rearing her young brother. Noah has returned to his home town after a decade away because his home was anything but sweet growing up. Faith is trying to make up for her parents’ bad reputation by doing good deeds around town anonymously. Though both Noah and Faith have been burned in the past, they tentatively begin a friendship that slowly moves beyond the friend stage, until the unthinkable happens.
I really loved this story. The book kept me engaged with great writing, a Christmasy plot and lots of humor. I especially loved the play on words such as “stocking stuffer”. LOL
It’s not so often that when I read a bundle of books that I enjoy all the stories. I must say that this bundle is so sweet and colored with different but strong and great people with great personalities that make every story enjoyable to read. All three authors did a very good job and created her own beautiful Christmas love story for us to enjoy.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley
I read this book because I’ve been enjoying Kate Pearce’s Morgan Valley stories. Also within this book is Diana Palmer’s Mistletoe Cowboy, part of one of her series and a short story in Marina Adair’s Sweet Plains Series. I really enjoyed Pearce’s & Adair’s stories. Palmer’s story I found plodding and chuck full of social issues that was not my cup of tea.
Mistletoe Cowboy by Diana Palmer is about Parker, a 1/2 Crow American Indian and 1/2 Scot animal whisperer who works part time for NASA in secret code and computer work. He is in charge of the horses for the D.L. Denton Ranch. He finds himself rescuing Teddie, a young girl who is chasing a wild Palomino her mother owns. The horse was abused by his former owner and Parker helps her learn about horses and learn to ride. Teddie’s mother Katy is a widow taking over her in-law’s ranch after they passed. It’s run down and Parker end’s up helping her and teaching Teddie how to ride. I found the story predictable, full of social issues of race, assumptions & abuse. It also had two repeats in the storyline.
Blame It On The Mistletoe by Marina Adair was laugh out loud funny at times. It makes me want to go back and investigate her Sweet Plains series to get the rest of the stories. Noah Tucker is back in town for the first time in 12 years after leaving his mean, abusive father. He’s a Texas Ranger workaholic and on a much needed vacation. He catches Faith Loren doing her Secret Samaritan acts for the community and swears him to secrecy. They knew each other in school. Faith works two jobs and in her spare time gives her life to her community. She’s desperate to make up for her family’s legacy of destruction and chaos. She feels judged by the town in general. This was a fun story where Faith learns her community loved her and she does have time embrace love in her life. Noah discovered the reason he left home is gone with his dad’s passing and community is important.
Mistletoe Detour by Kate Pearce is Morgantown’s Ted Baker’s story. Ted is a dependable, non-risk taker who’s never reached for a life of his own, always caring for his ailing father. Well Dad’s better and off the Victor Hernandez on a Hawaiian Cruise for the holidays and he’s all alone. He rescues Veronica Hernandez and her pet baby pig when he car breaks down in a snow storm. Veronica is on the run from an abusive ex boyfriend and stole his pig. With her only family out of town she has nowhere to stay so Ted offers her his Dad’s room until Uncle Victor gets home. This was a fun story of discovering value and love where you don’t expect.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
MISTLETOE COWBOY * Diana Palmer
Horse whisperer Parker doesn’t drink, smoke, or gamble, and he doesn’t have much to do with women, either. Until he meets winsome widow Katy, and her sweet child. Could Christmas kisses under the mistletoe bring the handsome wrangler the gift of his very own family?
BLAME IT ON THE MISTLETOE * Marina Adair
To claim his slice of the family ranch, Texas Ranger Noah is forced back to Tucker’s Crossing. All he expects to find is a tractor load of painful memories—until a holiday storm, a power outage—and perhaps the magic of Christmas—deliver him to rescue an intriguing woman named Faith. But just who’s rescuing whom?
MISTLETOE DETOUR – Kate Pearce 5Stars
When Morgan Valley garage owner Ted Baker gets out his tow truck to pick up a snowbound driver, he doesn’t expect to find his old school friend Veronica had run out of petrol so he took her, her pet pig & her car back to Morgansville. It’s nearing Christmas & Veronica’s uncle is on a Hawaiian cruise with Ted’s father so Ted invites to stay in his apartment until they return.
A lovely second chance romance, Ted was sweet on Veronica in high school but she moved away but is now back although she’s definitely hiding something. Well written, with strong characters & I read it in a sitting. I loved this novella about another inhabitant of Morgansville finding love, of course there are appearances from characters from other books which builds up a beautiful picture of the town & whole valley
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Who doesn’t want a cowboy for Christmas?
This mixed trio of Christmas cowboy romances has something for everyone. Two of the three were absolute winners in my book, so I highly recommend this set.
MISTLETOE COWBOY by Diana Palmer
Parker and Katy chart a predictable path to their HEA as he helps her daughter learn about horses while Katy gets them settled on her late husband’s family ranch. There’s an abundance of social commentary in this story, unencumbered by subtlety and with a clear directive to educate. There were a couple details that had me shaking my head, but all-in-all, it’s a decent romance with a solid HEA.
BLAME IT ON THE MISTLETOE by Marina Adair
This amazing story had me laughing out loud many, many times. Noah and Faith cross paths again after barely knowing each other in high school, and their chemistry is off-the-charts and guaranteed to change their lives.
The writing was so much fun to read, with amazing phraseology that not only capitalized on the holiday theme but effortlessly established the characters’ personalities. I’ll never look at a stocking stuffer the same way again!
The obstacles they face are deeply emotional and thought-provoking, yet handled in an authentic manner that made the whole story feel genuine. I truly enjoyed the fabulous “HEA in a Stetson.”
This is the first I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be the last. I’m already delving into her back catalog. This story alone is why I’m giving the set five stars.
MISTLETOE DETOUR by Kate Pearce
I loved this wonderful return to Morgantown. Local mechanic Ted heads out to help a stranded motorist, only to find it’s the girl he crushed on in high school, Veronica. She’s back in town to stay with her uncle, who is currently on a cruise with his buddy who happens to be Ted’s dad. Ted offers to let her stay with him until they get back, and their friendship becomes the foundation of a sweet, tender romance. We’re treated to Ry and Avery’s wedding and an assortment of small-town holiday cheer, along with a bit of a mystery surrounding Veronica’s flight from LA.
These are both beautifully-developed characters who gently work through their emotional baggage as their romance takes shape. I was drawn in right away and loved every bit of this story. Their HEA is the stuff of small-town legends.
If you’re a fan of any of these authors or have read others in the series, you’ll definitely want to snag this delightful collection. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This is the perfect Christmas stories by three very talented authors.
MISTLETOE COWBOY- Diana Palmer
This story by legendary Diana Palmer , centers around a widow, Katy, her child, and classical of this author, a Native American. As always, touching and heartwarming.
BLAME IT ON THE MISTLETOE- Marina Adair
Once again, this talented author gives the reader a touching, heartbreaking, thought provoking as well as heartwarming story.
This story belongs to Texas Ranger Noah Tucker and Faith, a young woman whose life has been filled with hardships, but she’s determined to be the best example for her young brother. A boy she took custody of when she was only 18. Both Noah and Faith have emotional scars and trust issues. The characters were perfect in their imperfections and the story another winner from this storyteller.
MISTLETOE DETOUR- Kate Pearce
The author takes us back to Morgan Valley. Rancher and garage owner Ted Baker, is called out to tow a snowbound driver. Imagine his surprise when he realizes it’s Veronica Hernandez, a school friend. As he rescues her and her pet pig, and gives her a place to stay , the sparks fly. But she’s keeping secrets and both have trust issues.
Will the spirit of Christmas and the truth give them a chance to find their HEA?
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Zebra Books. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
I only read the novella by Kate Pearce in this anthology, “Mistletoe Detour”. I love Kate’s writing. It flows well and the dialog is perfect. In this story, Ted was a great guy but he fell flat for me. I also liked Veronica and her pig, Bacon, but her backstory needed to be told in more depth (as did Ted’s). I would have loved this story in a full length book. It went too fast and not really the emotions I am use to in Kate’s books. She does write wonderful stories and I will continue reading her books.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
This collection is three Cowboy Christmas Romance Novellas by three different authors, Diana Palmer, Marina Adair and Kate Pearce.
Each and every novella in this wonderful box set was well written with characters that were so well created that I was totally captivated as I read each page of all 3 novellas in this must have collection!