Publication Date: 09/24/2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 352
ISBN-10: 1402280491
ISBN-13: 978-1402280498
(Received for an honest review from Sourcebooks Casablanca)
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound
Carolyn Brown on the WEB: Website, Facebook, Goodreads
Books in the series:
The Billion Dollar Cowboy (2013), The Cowboy's Christmas Baby (2013)
Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.
Excerpt from The Cowboy's Christmas Baby, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.
Synopsis:
'Tis the season for...
A pistol-totin' woman who's no angel
A tough rancher who doesn't believe in miracles
Love that warms the coldest nights
A tough rancher who doesn't believe in miracles
Love that warms the coldest nights
After a year in Kuwait, Lucas Allen can't wait to get back to his ranch for Christmas and meet his gorgeous Internet pal in person.
When he pulls in, there's Natalie Clark right in his front yard with a pink pistol in her hand and a dead coyote at her feet.
Lucas is unfazed. But wait...is that a BABY in her arms?
Thoughts:
The queen of cowboy romance, Carolyn Brown doesn't disappoint with her latest book in the Cowboys and Brides series, The Cowboy's Christmas Baby. Filled with lots of Christmas traditions, family, friends and a working ranch, this novel is a heartwarming love story with a little bit of sizzle. Fans of Brown's books will love the contemporary theme and realistic situations including an internet romance, that isn't exactly what it seems!
What I liked:
I genuinely loved the theme of this novel. Rancher Lucas Allen is returning home after a tour of duty in Kuwait, only to find that the person he thought he knew from their internet relationship wasn't exactly who she said she was. She left out on important detail... she's a mother. Their mutual friend Drew who was killed in Kuwait fathered her son Joshua and it never seemed the right moment to explain. I thought this theme was very realistic and I could totally buy into something like this happening. Brown did a great job of coming up with a story that would appeal to romance readers who love the strong cowboy type and when mixed with a military background... watch out!
Natlalie had a sassy attitude and fresh outlook on life. I liked the fact that she understands that she should have been more forthcoming with Lucas, but she got sucked into the internet. It has a way of making things anonymous and it's easier to leave things out sometimes even to invent things, but eventually it all comes out. I thought her pink pistol was a riot! I want one... She is a good mother and everyone on the ranch soon falls in love with her and Josh, it just takes Lucas a little longer to come around.
Lucas was great hero materiel. Cowboy's always are. Rugid and handsome. Loyal and courageous. These qualities are even more apparent in Lucas because of his military background. I thought he took a little longer to get over Natalie's omission than he needed to, but I still liked him a lot. He wants to do the right thing, but he isn't quite sure what that is. I loved him!
The romance was great. It had some very heart warming moments as well as some steamy moments which Carolyn is always so good at writing. But there was more than just romantic love on display here. The way Lucas cares for Josh and for his family even those who work for him on the ranch was a joy to read about. I loved all the Christmas hubub and it definitely made me look forward to the season even more.
What I didn't Like:
The story was a little shaky in the beginning. It skipped around a lot and had an overall disjointed feeling to it, but this eventually gives way to a very well written second half that had me smiling from ear to ear. Give it some time on this one, it's well worth the wait for it to pick up.
Bottom Line:
This is another great book by Carolyn Brown, with a great contemporary theme and lots of Christmas cheer. It's just what the doctor ordered to get you the Christmas spirit!
The Cowboy's Christmas Baby is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.
I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!
About the Author:
Brown presently writes both women's fiction and cowboy romance. She has also written historical single title, historical series, contemporary single title and contemporary series. She lives in southern Oklahoma with her husband, a former English teacher, who is not allowed to read her books until they are published. They have three children and enough grandchildren to keep them young. For a complete listing of her books (series in order) check out her website at www.carolynlbrown.com
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